Features of Al-Masjid-Al-Nabawi Mosque

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Recommended: The Role of the Mosque

Religious Studies coursework

'Name the features of a specific mosque'

A mosque is a place of worship for followers of the Islamic faith. Its primary purpose is to serve as a place of worship for practising Muslims where they can pray together. Al-Masjid-Al-Nabawi, also known as the prophet's mosque, is the second holiest mosque in the world and is the final resting place of the prophet Muhammad. The original mosque was built by the prophet himself. The mosque also served as a community centre, a court and a religious centre.

The main religious texts provide no rules to what the mosque should look like. Al-Masjid-Al-Nabawi has gone under some major transformations form 629-1921, rulers expanding he mosque, creating new wings and trying to put their mark on it. Mandatory elements for a mosque include that it should point the direction to Mecca. This is called the Quibla. The direction was once towards Jerusalem however it then changed to the Kaaba in Mecca when Muhammad received a revelation from Allah during the noon prayer whilst in Mecca. Allah instructed the prophet to take the Kaaba as the Quibla. Muhammad then immediately turned to face the Kaaba and those praying behind him also did so.

Most mosques contain a Niche in the wall to indicate the direction. This is called Mihrab. The Mihrab gives the impression of a door to Mecca. They are usually ornately decorated. Mihrabs can be wood , but is normally made out of masonry, and adorned with pillars.

The call to prayer is traditionally given from the top of the minaret(the Muezzin calls out the Adhan). Although in the most modern mosque is the Adhan is called the Musallah(prayer hall)via a microphone and speaker system. Minarets usually consist of three primary parts of the base, the shaft and the gallery.

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