Mosque

Minaret

A tower adjacent or attached to a mosque, from which the call to prayer is announced.

Wudu

Ablutions are part of the preparation for Muslim prayer. Sometimes a space is set aside in a restroom or washroom. Other times there is a fountain-like structure along a wall or in a courtyard.

Qubba

Dome. Placed above the prayer hall keeps the inside of the mosque cool. Helps to carry the voice of the Imam.

Iman

Leader, generally referring to the person who leads in prayer. Among the Shia, the Imam is a divinely appointed leader, succeeding the Prophet. He possesses spiritual knowledge and guides Muslims to an understanding of the inner meaning of revelation as well as implementing Islamic values according to changing times and circumstances.

Shoe Shelf

Muslims remove their shoes before entering a mosque, to preserve the cleanliness of the prayer space.

Muezzin

One who calls the people to prayer from a high place, usually miniret. The Muessin will walk around the balcony calling people to come to pray.

Musallah

Place of prayer. Open room in the masjid for prayer.

Sajada

Prayer Rugs. During Islamic prayers, worshippers bow, kneel, and prostrate on the ground in humility before God. The only requirement in Islam is that prayers be performed in an area that is clean. Rugs and carpets have become a traditional way to ensure the cleanliness of the place of prayer, and to provide some cushioning on the floor. In mosques, the prayer area is often covered with large prayer carpets. Smaller prayer rugs may be stacked on a nearby shelf for individual use. They are usually designed so that the rug has a definite "top" and "bottom"—the bottom is where the worshipper stands, and the top points toward the direction of prayer.

Qiblah

The direction of Mecca toward which Muslims turn in ritual prayer.

Ulama

The learned scholars and custodians of religious knowledge. In Iran they are called mullah and also referred to with other titles, the highest among which is that of ayatollah meaning "sign of God."

Masjid

The mosque, the place of worship in Islam.

Mihrab

The niche in the mosque that marks the qiblah, the direction toward Mecca.

Minbar

the pulpit in the mosque for preaching.