Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 212
212 constitute the more responsible sections of the Muslim community in different parts of the world. All Islamic services, the five daily ones for congregational Prayer, the Friday noon service, in which an address is delivered, the two Festival services, one at the end of the month of fasting, and the other on the occasion of the pilgrimage, and the pilgrimage itself, are so organised as to ensure the co- operation of all sections of Muslim society for the promotion of human welfare in all its aspects. The five daily services provide occasions for people who frequent a particular mosque, and for any others who may chance to be present at any of the services, to exchange greetings and to discuss before or after the service any matters, local or of a wider import, which might affect or interest them. The Friday noon service brings together in rural areas people from several neighbouring villages and hamlets, and in the towns all the inhabitants of the town, or, in the case of large cities, of a section. The Imam’s address should deal with questions in any sphere of life that are of common interest to those participating in the service. In the early days of Islam the Friday service was led in the capital by the Khalifa, the head of state, and in the provincial towns and rural areas, by the Governor, head of the district, or by some other prominent citizen deemed capable of leading the members of the congregation and