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 Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 4:06 am
I am a Christian, but I have heard so many great things about Islam that I want to consider converting, or at the very least begin attending the Mosque down the street from where I live. But I'm nervous of making a bad impression of myself or something because all the customs seem so foreign. How should I behave? how should I dress? is there a Muslim weekly holy day like Sunday is with Christianity that I should consider avoiding scheduling work shifts on so that I'm free to attend the most important worship services? anything else I should know?
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Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 7:03 am
Hello there and thank you for your questions. I think the most important thing is to be polite, of course, that goes for any culture.
Friday is roughly analogous to Sunday, as that is when the khutbah (sermon) is delivered and attendance is obligatory for males.
A few tips on etiquette:
Never show the sole of your foot or shoe to anyone (that's kinda like flipping the bird). Don't sit in a chair cross-legged.
Men will not shake hands with you. They're not being rude, it's a cultural thing. Try to avoid touching men at all.
Avoid wearing anything with a picture on it. Wear loose-fitting clothes and long sleeves and, while the locals may be willing to cut you some slack, I would suggest covering your hair.
EDIT: You probably already knew this, but don't wear shoes in the mosque. There'll be a place to leave them inside the entrance.
Also, the left hand is considered unclean. Don't eat with your left hand or offer anything to anyone with your left hand.
They have very probably got some classes you can take to learn more about Islam. You should find us a welcoming bunch! And if I've missed anything important, hopefully one of the brothers or sisters here will speak up.
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Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 8:55 am
Thorn apple Hello there and thank you for your questions. I think the most important thing is to be polite, of course, that goes for any culture. Friday is roughly analogous to Sunday, as that is when the khutbah (sermon) is delivered and attendance is obligatory for males. A few tips on etiquette: Never show the sole of your foot or shoe to anyone (that's kinda like flipping the bird). Don't sit in a chair cross-legged. Men will not shake hands with you. They're not being rude, it's a cultural thing. Try to avoid touching men at all. Avoid wearing anything with a picture on it. Wear loose-fitting clothes and long sleeves and, while the locals may be willing to cut you some slack, I would suggest covering your hair. EDIT: You probably already knew this, but don't wear shoes in the mosque. There'll be a place to leave them inside the entrance. Also, the left hand is considered unclean. Don't eat with your left hand or offer anything to anyone with your left hand. They have very probably got some classes you can take to learn more about Islam. You should find us a welcoming bunch! And if I've missed anything important, hopefully one of the brothers or sisters here will speak up. thank you very much for telling me! that all sounds so helpful. I'm really looking forward to this!
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Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 9:00 am
Princess Armageddon Thorn apple Hello there and thank you for your questions. I think the most important thing is to be polite, of course, that goes for any culture. Friday is roughly analogous to Sunday, as that is when the khutbah (sermon) is delivered and attendance is obligatory for males. A few tips on etiquette: Never show the sole of your foot or shoe to anyone (that's kinda like flipping the bird). Don't sit in a chair cross-legged. Men will not shake hands with you. They're not being rude, it's a cultural thing. Try to avoid touching men at all. Avoid wearing anything with a picture on it. Wear loose-fitting clothes and long sleeves and, while the locals may be willing to cut you some slack, I would suggest covering your hair. EDIT: You probably already knew this, but don't wear shoes in the mosque. There'll be a place to leave them inside the entrance. Also, the left hand is considered unclean. Don't eat with your left hand or offer anything to anyone with your left hand. They have very probably got some classes you can take to learn more about Islam. You should find us a welcoming bunch! And if I've missed anything important, hopefully one of the brothers or sisters here will speak up. thank you very much for telling me! that all sounds so helpful. I'm really looking forward to this! Anytime.
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