less than 1 minute read

Mosque



Mosque, Muslim place of worship. The name derives from the Arabic masjid, meaning “a place for prostration” (in prayer). Mosques are typically built with one or more minarets (towers); a courtyard with fountains or wells for ceremonial washing; an area where the faithful assemble for prayers led by the imam (priest); a mihrab (niche) indicating the qiblah (direction) of Mecca; a mimbar (pulpit) and sometimes, facing it, a maqsurah (enclosed area for important persons). Some mosques include a madrasah (religious school).



See also: Islam.

Additional topics

21st Century Webster's Family Encyclopedia21st Century Webster's Family Encyclopedia - Mississippian to Mud hen