Question from Joseph

Have you come across a Muslim praying outside? If so, what is the proper way to be respectful of their prayer?


ANSWER: This is probably unlikely considering that I've lived in large cities. Most mosques lie behind walls and gates and in public areas, prayer rooms are provided, no matter where you go; in all the airports, shopping malls, schools etc. The gates surrounding the mosques provide two barriers, offering privacy to those practicing inside and also for the outsiders who wish to enter, the gates indicate that beyond that point everyone must be properly dressed. Even in private homes, some people have a designated area for prayers or at least something that points the way to Mecca and the Ka'bah. Even when you stay in hotels in Asia, if you look at the ceiling or in one of the drawers, most likely you'll find an arrow pointing the way (see photo). I even have a small pagoda outside my temporary house that can be used for prayer (see photo). I would believe that it would only be in rural areas where you would come across someone praying in an undesignated area and then I would just quietly pass by and let them continue, do not disturb them. I have an Aunt who is Muslim, she converted before marrying my Uncle, such is the way when you have 2 people of different religions who wish to marry, one must convert. When I would visit her, during their prayer times, her family would go down to the basement and pray. She would just say where she was going and we all understood. You are always welcomed to enter a mosque as long as you are dressed appropiately and in most of the larger mosques, you may ask questions so you can better understand.