Features of the mosque

No pictures of Allah.

A mosque strictly adheres to the rule of no pictures or statues to indicate the important belief in the Oneness of Allah. They believe that it is impossible to depict an image of God.

Calligraphy

A style of decorative writing which is used to illustrate copies of the Qur'an

No pictures of Muhammad

Any pictures of Muhammad would simply be guesswork and therefore a false image.

What is the significance of the minaret?

It was originally where the call to prayer (adhan) was shouted from, now symbolises the link to Islam and is used so Muslims can identify the mosque in a crowded town or city.

Minaret

The tall tower on the outside of the mosque

Mosque dome

Useful to create acoustics inside the mosque and so that the mosque is visible from a distance

The Minbar is

a stepped platform which is always to the right of the mihrab. It is where the Immam delivers his sermon - Khutbah

Decorating the mosque

geometric designs and patterns with elaborate calligraphy are used to beautify the building.

As there are no images in the mosque

the congregation are less distracted and can focus more on the essence of Allah.

Qiblah

the congregation stand directly in front of this so they will be praying in the direction of Makkah

The Mihrab is

the niche inside the patterned bit of wall where the imam stands when leading the congregation to prayer.

Crescent moon and 5-pointed star usually on top of dome or minaret

to symbolise a muslim place of worship