Visiting the Mosque for the First Time

Our doors are open to everyone — Muslim or not. Every week, people walk through the front entrance of Peace Community Mosque for the very first time. Some are neighbors who have driven past our dome for years and finally decided to stop in. Some are students working on a class project, coworkers of our members, couples planning an interfaith wedding, or simply curious visitors who want to understand their Muslim neighbors a little better.

Here is what to expect on your first visit. We know that walking into any house of worship for the first time can feel a little nerve-racking. You might worry about wearing the wrong thing, saying the wrong thing or standing in the wrong place. Please don’t. Our volunteers welcome visitors every week, and nobody expects you to know the customs before you arrive. This guide will simply help you feel more comfortable from the moment you park your car.

Before you arrive

You are welcome to visit any day the mosque is open, but some times are easier for first-time guests than others. Weekday afternoons between prayers are usually quiet, which makes them a good choice if you would like to look around, ask questions and take your time. Friday afternoons are our busiest time of the week because of the congregational Jumu’ah prayer, so they can feel a bit crowded for a first visit.

If you are coming with a group, such as a school class, a church youth group or a book club, please contact our office a week or two ahead. We will arrange a guided tour with a volunteer who can answer questions and explain what you are seeing. Individuals and families do not need to call ahead. Just come in and say hello at the front desk.

What to wear

Modest, comfortable clothing. Women are welcome to bring a scarf; we have spares at the front desk.

In practice, “modest” simply means clothing that covers the shoulders and knees and is not too tight or see-through. Long pants or a long skirt and a shirt with sleeves are perfect for anyone. Men are asked to avoid shorts inside the prayer hall. Women are invited to cover their hair inside the prayer areas as a sign of respect, though we understand guests may not have a scarf with them. That is exactly why we keep a basket of clean spares near the entrance.

Because you will be taking your shoes off, many visitors find it helpful to wear clean socks and shoes that are easy to slip on and off. In the winter months, the carpet stays warm, so there is no need to worry about cold floors.

Shoes off, questions welcome

Leave your shoes on the racks by the door. Ask anything — our volunteers love questions.

Taking off shoes before entering the prayer hall keeps the carpet clean, since this is where people kneel and place their foreheads during prayer. You will see wooden racks right inside the main entrance. Slide your shoes onto any open shelf, and they will be waiting for you when you leave.

Once inside, you are free to walk around the main hall quietly. You will notice there are no pews or chairs in most of the space, just open carpet with lines that help worshippers stand in straight rows. Along the front wall is a small arched niche called the mihrab, which shows the direction of Mecca, the direction Muslims face when they pray. Nearby is the minbar, a short set of steps where the imam stands to give the Friday sermon.

Chairs are available along the back and side walls for anyone who needs them, including elderly visitors and those with limited mobility. Our building is wheelchair accessible, with a ramp at the visitor entrance and an elevator to the lower-level community hall.

Join our monthly open house for a tour, tea and an honest conversation.

Yusuf

If you arrive during prayer

Muslims pray five times a day, and you may arrive just as one of those prayers is starting. You will hear the call to prayer, then see people line up shoulder to shoulder facing the front. Please feel free to stay and watch from the back of the hall or from the chairs along the side. Visitors are never expected to join in.

The prayer itself usually lasts five to ten minutes. People stand, bow, kneel and touch their foreheads to the floor in a set pattern while the imam leads. It is fine to quietly observe. We just ask that you avoid walking directly in front of someone who is praying and keep conversations for after the prayer ends.

Photography is welcome in most parts of the building when prayer is not taking place. During prayer, please put your camera away and avoid photographing individual worshippers without their permission.

Our monthly open house

If you would rather not visit on your own, our monthly open house is a wonderful way to start. It takes place on the second Sunday of each month, from 2 to 4 p.m., and is designed especially for guests of all backgrounds. Imam Yusuf Rahman and a team of volunteers lead small group tours, explain the basics of Islamic prayer and belief, and then invite everyone downstairs for tea, coffee and homemade pastries prepared by our members.

The best part, according to almost every guest, is the open conversation at the end. There are no scripted presentations and no pressure. You can ask about anything, from fasting during Ramadan to why some women wear headscarves to what Muslims believe about Jesus and Mary. Our volunteers are happy to share their own experiences and to say “I don’t know, but let me find out” when a question stumps them.

Quick guide

If you only remember a few things from this page, make it these:

• Modest clothing
• Shoes on the racks
• Phones on silent
• Ask anything

A few extra tips can make your visit even smoother. Parking is free in our main lot off the side street, with overflow parking across the road on Fridays. Restrooms are located down the hallway to the left of the entrance, and visitors are welcome to use them. If you would like a quiet place to sit and reflect, our library on the second floor is open during office hours and has books on Islam for all ages, including many written for curious beginners.

Key takeaway: You do not need to know anything before you come. Dress modestly, leave your shoes at the door and bring your questions. We will take care of the rest.

We hope to meet you soon

The mosque was built by our community for prayer, but it has always been meant as a place of welcome, too. Some of our closest friendships with neighbors started with a single nervous first visit and a cup of tea afterward.

If you have been thinking about stopping by, consider this your personal invitation. Come to an open house, join us for a community dinner or simply walk in on a quiet weekday afternoon. Our doors, and our tea kettle, are always open.