Stories from Early Islam — Page 25
25 On hearing this call, a Muslim leaves his work and comes to the mosque. He performs ablution i. e. washes his face, hands and feet in the prescribed manner. There are no seats or places reserved for anybody in a mosque. The Imam stands in front of the congregation with his face towards the Ka’abah. Behind him people stand in rows facing the same direction. In the house of Allah all are equal regardless of rank, office, colour or race. These gatherings are not mixed. Women stand separately from men. Everyone fol- lows the Imam as he goes through various postures. The differ- ent postures are standing, bowing, prostration and sitting. The Muslims gather for Divine worship in the simplest pos- sible manner. No music, choir, or congregational singing is per- mitted in the Prayers. Conversation is totally prohibited. There are no images, pictures or paintings in a mosque. All these are prohibited because they distract the attention of a worshipper. In addition to the prescribed Services, Muslims offer prayers and devote themselves silently to the remembrance of