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Peace be with you!
Quote:The older elaborate mosques in the M.E. used to be Christian churches. Mosques are not supposed to be so elaborately decorated or expensive, to avoid distraction from worship.
Worhipping Catholic style involves the five senses. We use many external symbols in Church for the human body to perceive, while the invisible soul receives the spiritual divine grace (paraphrased from 'Catholicism for Dummies').
Which leads me to ask... If Muslims can pray/worship anywhere (at home, on the street, in a park, at the beach, etc) what's te purpose of having a mosque? When I visited a mosque my tour guide gave me the impression that on Friday's believers go there simply to pray. Is that right?
In case you're wondering... Catholics can pray ANYWHERE, but the Sacrafice of the Mass should take place inside a Church because that's the dwelling place tof God in the Blessed Sacrament. Churhces are the most important places on earth.
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lol you guys are halarious
shaunee next time you go crying to the mods, you may want to consider your own actions :)
i certainly didnt apreciate being called Islamaphobic, prejudiced etc by you, but i make a simple statement yet im wrong .. oh yea i forgot islam changes/ destroys/ ignores what it doesnt want to see ;)
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Bismillah:
I hope that am picking some of your 99% unanswered questions :D
Quote:If Muslims can pray/worship anywhere (at home, on the street, in a park, at the beach, etc) what's rte purpose of having a mosque?
The purpose of having mosques, besides worshiping Allah in it in congregation, it also serves as the center for all social, cultural, political and various activities. However, in case someone is unable to reach a mosque conveniently, or the journey to the mosque is unsafe, or his sickness prevented him from going there, then Salah may be observed wherever convenient because our beloved Prophet pbuh said: the whole earth has been sanctified and made as a Mosque for Muslims.
Quote:When I visited a mosque my tour guide gave me the impression that on Friday's believers go there simply to pray. Is that right?
Friday prayer is very important in Islam. It has got its own benefits. It is obligatory on every Muslim except women, children, seriously ill people and travelers. They can pray Friday but it is not obligatory on them.
Hope this answer some of you unanswered questions hehehe!! :D
Salam
Wael.
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In the Name of the Blessed Trinity - Father Son Holy Spirit - Three Distinct Persons, One True God!
May the peace of Christ be with you!
Quote:I hope that am picking some of your 99% unanswered questions :D
It's down to about 50% now... thanks to you :lol:
Quote:Salah may be observed wherever convenient because our beloved Prophet pbuh said: the whole earth has been sanctified and made as a Mosque for Muslims.
Muslims should walk the earth barefoot in that case - hehe! (lame joke, I know, I'm sorry)
On a serious note, what's the significance of facing Mecca? You're praying to Allah & you noted recently that Allah transcends time & place & we can't "locate" Him on earth!
Quote:It is obligatory on every Muslim except women, children... and travelers. They can pray Friday but it is not obligatory on them.
Any particular reason why they're not obliged (excluding the seriously ill)?
Quote:Hope this answer some of you unanswered questions hehehe!! :D
Keep up the great work & I'll keep the questions coming :D
God bless.
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Bismillah:
Quote:On a serious note, what's the significance of facing Mecca? You're praying to Allah & you noted recently that Allah transcends time & place & we can't "locate" Him on earth!
Mecca where the Kaaba located which is our <b>Qibla i.e. the direction Muslims face during their prayers</b>. For instance, if Muslims want to offer Salaah, it is possible that some may wish to face north, while some may wish to face south. <b>In order to unite Muslims in their worship </b> <b>of the One True God</b>, Muslims, wherever they may be, are asked to face in only one direction. If some Muslims live towards the west of the Ka'ba they face the east. Similarly if they live towards the east of the Ka'ba they face the west.
However, the Ka’ba is very important because of its location, it is exactly located under <i>Al-Bayt al-Ma'mur </i> (The much-frequented Fane), and identical to it in the seventh heaven. We perform tawaf on earth, and right above us, the angels perform tawaf around Al-Bayt al-Ma'mur, <b>and above them both is Allah’s throne</b>. You have to feel it when you go to Makkah; Insh a Allah.
Quote:It is obligatory on every Muslim except women, children... and travelers. They can pray Friday but it is not obligatory on them.
Any particular reason why they're not obliged (excluding the seriously ill)?
For women the Prophet said that the best place for them to pray is their home, and the best place in their home to pray is their room, but they are totally free to perform prayers in the mosque if they wish. For children they may go and perform prayer but since they are still children prayers are not made obligatory on them unless they pass the age of 10.
And God knows best.
I hope my sisters and brothers correct me if am worng.
Salam
Wael.
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In the Name of God - Father Son Holy Spirit.
May the peace of Christ be with you!
I appreciate your prompt replies, Wael :) Please feel free to take your time though. There's no shortage of questions from where I'm sitting... I'll just keep the ball rolling - hehe!
Quote:Mecca where the Kaaba located which is our <b>Qibla i.e. the direction Muslims face during their prayers</b>. For instance, if Muslims want to offer Salaah, it is possible that some may wish to face north, while some may wish to face south. <b>In order to unite Muslims in their worship </b> <b>of the One True God</b>, Muslims, wherever they may be, are asked to face in only one direction. If some Muslims live towards the west of the Ka'ba they face the east. Similarly if they live towards the east of the Ka'ba they face the west.
Does the Qur'an teach that all Muslims must pray towards Kaaba? I'm certain all Muslims do, but if they don't, are their prayers still acceptable?
Quote:You have to feel it when you go to Makkah; Insh a Allah.
I'm forbidden to enter Mecca. I'm Catholic, Alhamdulilah :) But I watched a documentary once called "Mecca" produced by National Geographic. It took my breath away!
God bless.
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Bismillah:
Quote:Does the Qur'an teach that all Muslims must pray towards Kaaba?
YES.
The fools (pagans, hypocrites, and Jews) among the people will say, "What has turned them (Muslims) from their Qiblah [prayer direction (towards Jerusalem)] to which they were used to face in prayer." Say, (O Muhammad ) "To Allâh belong both, east and the west. He guides whom He wills to a Straight Way." (Al-Baqarah 2:142)
Thus We have made you [true Muslims - real believers of Islâmic Monotheism, true followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah (legal ways)], a Wasat (just) (and the best) nation, that you be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger (Muhammad) be a witness over you. And We made the Qiblah (prayer direction towards Jerusalem) which you used to face, only to test those who followed the Messenger (Muhammad) from those who would turn on their heels (i.e. disobey the Messenger). Indeed it was great (heavy) except for those whom Allâh guided. And Allâh would never make your faith (prayers) to be lost (i.e. your prayers offered towards Jerusalem). Truly, Allâh is full of kindness, the Most Merciful towards mankind. (Al-Baqarah 2:143)
Verily! We have seen the turning of your (Muhammad's) face towards the heaven. Surely, We shall turn you to a Qiblah (prayer direction) that shall please you, so turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid- al-Harâm (at Makkah). And wheresoever you people are, turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction. Certainly, the people who were given the Scriptures (i.e. Jews and the Christians) know well that, that (your turning towards the direction of the Ka'bah at Makkah in prayers) is the truth from their Lord. And Allâh is not unaware of what they do. (Al-Baqarah 2:144)
And from wheresoever you start forth (for prayers), turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (at Makkah), that is indeed the truth from your Lord. And Allâh is not unaware of what you do. (Al-Baqarah 2:149)
And from wheresoever you start forth (for prayers), turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (at Makkah), and wheresoever you are, turn your faces towards, it (when you pray) so that men may have no argument against you except those of them that are wrong-doers, so fear them not, but fear Me! - And so that I may complete My Blessings on you and that you may be guided. (Al-Baqarah 2:150)
Quote:but if they don't, are their prayers still acceptable?
am not sure about this, insh a Allah sister Muslimah or sister Radiya might give the proper answer.
Quote:I'm forbidden to enter Mecca.
yes i meant insh a Allah when you embrace Islam :) its only my wish for everybody as i explained earlier.
Salam
Wael.
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In the Name of God - Father Son Holy Spirit.
May the peace of Christ be with you!
Very interesting Wael, thanks!
So basically, Muslims face Mecca during salat in order that they be recognized as Muslims & set apart from infidels... true/false?
Quote:yes i meant insh a Allah when you embrace Islam :) its only my wish for everybody as i explained earlier.
Please don't hate me, Wael... I'll embrace Muslims but NEVER Islam... sorry! I believe there's partial truth in Islam but I'd rather be raped, beaten & crucified a thousand times over than deny the Divinity of Jesus Christ. I'm just here to study Islam's ideologies & learn how to coexist with Muslims in peace & harmony - that's my wish :)
No hard feelings, Insh a Allah.
God bless.
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Bismillah:
Quote:So basically, Muslims face Mecca during salat in order that they be recognized as Muslims & set apart from infidels... true/false?
This is only one of the reasons, but the most important one is to obey Cod's order.
Quote:Please don't hate me, Wael...
I don’t hate you, but you owe me an apology (and to all Muslims) for what you have said regarding our beloved Prophet pbuh on ‘repentance’ thread…or at least you should clarify what you meant.
Quote:I'll embrace Muslims but NEVER Islam... sorry! I believe there's partial truth in Islam but I'd rather be raped, beaten & crucified a thousand times over than deny the Divinity of Jesus Christ. I'm just here to study Islam's ideologies & learn how to coexist with Muslims in peace & harmony - that's my wish :)
No harm..,. I was only expressing my feelings towards you and towards Non Muslims in general.. That’s it.
Salam
Wael.
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In the Name of God - Father Son Holy Spirit.
May the peace of Christ be with you.
Quote:I don’t hate you, but you owe me an apology (and to all Muslims) for what you have said regarding our beloved Prophet pbuh on ‘repentance’ thread…or at least you should clarify what you meant.
I have absolutely no idea what I'm apologizing for, but I've obviously offended you (& all Muslims) & for that I sincerely apologize. It was never my intention to disrespect anyone. I hope it doesn't happen again.
If you'd like me to clarify something, I suggest you tell me what it is, please Mate ???????
I feel awful!
:( :( :(
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