Any Advice on visiting a Mosque please?

Harry_Flashman

Next Tuesday, I am to visit a Mosque at the invitation of the committee.

I will be visiting in an official capacity wearing military uniform to discuss details of a public 'open day' type event.

I'd be fine in a Christian church (remove hat, address the vicar as 'Reverend', etc) but I've never been in a Mosque before and would appreciate any advice anyone could give me regarding etiquette, etc.

I've no idea what part of the Mosque I will be visiting by the way. I'm assuming there will be a 'sacred' part and a less 'sacred' part?

Please forgive my terminology, I'm really in the dark here.

Many thanks in advance

Savvy_Sue

You might be expected to remove your shoes, I am not sure what the norm is wrt headgear.

Oh, I found this. Does the one you're going to have anything similar?

Harry_Flashman

Thank you Sue - most useful.

That article led me to a few others as well which pretty much gives comprehensive guidance.

Savvy_Sue

While it's useful to 'be prepared' (I'd make sure I was wearing slip on shoes, for example, bur in uniform the best you can probably do is make sure there are no holes in your socks! :rotfl:) I don't think there should be any problem in asking as you arrive what you should be aware of, if they don't actually brief you.

Harry_Flashman

Note to self - new socks required

Savvy_Sue

Harry_Flashman wrote: »

Note to self - new socks required

I am shocked to think that the person behind your avatar could even contemplate wearing holey socks! :rotfl:

anamenottaken

Harry_Flashman wrote: »

I'd be fine in a Christian church (remove hat, address the vicar as 'Reverend', etc)

Though Reverend is a title, I don't think, to be correct, one addresses vicars (a particular role in the Church of England) in conversation as simply Reverend or Reverend Surname. It should be Mr (or Mrs etc) Surname. (And maybe Fr (with or with Surname) if anglo-catholic.)

RuthnJasper

Harry_Flashman wrote: »

Next Tuesday, I am to visit a Mosque at the invitation of the committee.

I will be visiting in an official capacity wearing military uniform to discuss details of a public 'open day' type event.

I'd be fine in a Christian church (remove hat, address the vicar as 'Reverend', etc) but I've never been in a Mosque before and would appreciate any advice anyone could give me regarding etiquette, etc.

I've no idea what part of the Mosque I will be visiting by the way. I'm assuming there will be a 'sacred' part and a less 'sacred' part?

Please forgive my terminology, I'm really in the dark here.

Many thanks in advance

Flash - I think it's important to remove one's shoes, though not one's hat, before entering a mosque (and, in the case of us lovely (CofE) ladies, to ensure arms, legs and head are covered).

However - the most important thing is just to be yourself - genial, charming, respectful and polite, I'm assuming (don't correct me if I'm wrong - allow me, at least, my military uniform/Flashman fantasies... ).

I am sure that the Imam (the "vicar" (prayer-leader) of the mosque) will be a kind and patient man and will be understanding of any slips of the tongue or inadvertent confusion - if you have accidentally slipped-up in any manner of dress or speech, I'm sure he will let you know in a discreet, informal, manner). And - as ever - if in doubt call him "sir".

Best of luck - I am sure that nothing but good will come out of your visit. After all, whatever our colour or particular faith (and I am excluding fundamentalists of ALL types here), we are all humans.

Best wishes to you,

Ruth xx

d123

You could address the priest as Imam, if you know his name Imam Name. If you want to greet him correctly, greet him with "As-Salamu Alaykum" as you shake hands.

As has been said, shoes off at the door. if there are any females accompanying you, they should have some sort of shawl to cover their shoulders.

Savvy_Sue

Harry_Flashman wrote: »

I'd be fine in a Christian church (remove hat, address the vicar as 'Reverend', etc)

but you'd do that inside any building, wouldn't you? except a synagogue, where they'd provide one if you didn't have one.

anamenottaken wrote: »

Though Reverend is a title, I don't think, to be correct, one addresses vicars (a particular role in the Church of England) in conversation as simply Reverend or Reverend Surname. It should be Mr (or Mrs etc) Surname. (And maybe Fr (with or with Surname) if anglo-catholic.)

actually there are all sorts of degrees here: I've known some Revs who liked to be Father + first name, and it's not unknown to say "Oh hello vicar / rector", which would IMO be better than 'Reverend', so we agree about that. But then you get onto Deans and Canons and occasionally Bishops as well.

d123 wrote: »

if there are any females accompanying you, they should have some sort of shawl to cover their shoulders.

Do they need a shawl if they have sleeves covering their shoulders? Or is the shawl to cover their heads?

d123

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

.

Do they need a shawl if they have sleeves covering their shoulders? Or is the shawl to cover their heads?

as I understand it, covered shoulders and once entering the actual mosque brought up to cover the hair as well.