As a non-Muslim what can I expect if I wanted to visit a Mosque for a sevice or prayer session. Is it posible just to show up or would I as a woman be turned away if I'm dressed in my usual church clothes without a head-covering?
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Mystical
ANSWERS: 6
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Muslims vary in the degree to which they understand or practice Islam, but if, when you show up at your mosque, you meet a good Muslim then just explain the purpose of your visit and you’ll be warmly welcomed. Clothing? Both the Bible and the HQ promote modesty in clothing. So, if you observe the Biblical dress code, reproduced below for convenience, then you should have no problem at all Biblical dress code: “that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array" - 1 Timothy 2:9 "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God" - Deuteronomy 22:5 "But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered" - 1 Corrinthians 11:5
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It also depends where you are - in some Muslim countries, non-believers are not allowed into their mosques at all.
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I took a religion based class and we had to do a report on a religion completely different then our own and we had to visit their house of worship. Most people are excited when others take interest in their religion(as long as it is not to mock them). You should call the mosque let them know you are interested in visiting. They will let you know when to come. Also inquire about dress, you will probably need to cover your head.
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In our country tourists and non muslims are allowed to the mosques for visits and photo snapshots. A guide will be around to handle them.The dress code for the ladies as mentioned by borasalama is acceptable but not a must for as long as there is no short pants, bare backs and mini skirts.Visitors will have to respect and observe the serenity of the mosques and to only enter without putting their shoes on.Despite this there are some countries which do not allow non muslims from entering their mosques with their own reasons mostly political however it is certainly forbidden for non muslims to enter the Masjidil Haram in Mecca and here you may only enter if you are a muslim.
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Depends on where you are in the world. what they should do depends on: - The mosque will need to have a female area (as small/poorer mosques may not have this) as men & women pray seperately - As long as you are in clean modestly dressed clothing (most propably need to cover your hair - if you dont have one, another female may be able to supply one for you or the mosque) - they genuinely believe you are there to pray or understand the religion and not to mock the religion Then you (in theory) should not be turned away (except for other common female things I have overlooked). - but by turning up there, they will expect you to follow the rules of the mosque that everyone follows (e.g. washing before prayer & entry, keeping quiet during the khutbah, turning off mobile etc...)
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borasalama: I shouldnt have to ask for respect by wearing certain clothing. If I choose to wear a bikini at the beach those looking in my direction have no right to disrespect me because of my attire. The human body was created like all God's creatures without attire and in an ideal world we should all be able to walk around naked and still respect each other. Both the male and female physique are beautiful to look upon. Modesty is the key not total cover-up. When I see a guy in tight swimming trunks (skin tight ones) I can admire his physique without disrespecting him and his choice to reveal so much skin. Why is it so difficult for Muslim men to give the same respect to woman who choose to reveal more than her ankles?
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