Comparative Religion Field Trip Reaction Assignment Paper

Comparative Religion Field Trip
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Comparative Religion Field Trip
My trip was to one of the mosques in my hometown on Friday last week. Everybody entering the mosque would remove the shoes and go straight to a wash basin or sink, where they would wash various parts of the body such as eyes, ears, head, arms, face, and hair among others. Removal of shoes is a sign of respect to Allah, which is done to avoid dirtying the interior part of the mosque. Washing was done three times for arms, feet, and ankles up and down. Also, they would wash the face before inhaling some water in their nostril and swish some water thoroughly in the mouth. The entire process is a purifying ritual and is referred to as Wudu. The washing up process was done uniquely since they never used soap or running tap, it was done in a basin that looked more like a pitcher or ewer. After the cleansing process, everybody proceeded to the actual prayer area, where they performed two Rakat, that is two little sets of prayers, and some individuals would continue to pray in private while others were reading Quran until when the Imam called for the start of the main prayers. Calling to prayers was like a song that was coming from the loudspeakers similar to church bell that was used traditionally in various churches. After this call, everyone lined up, and the rows were kept slightly tight, almost elbow to elbow and foot to foot for individuals next to each other. The Imam stood in front of everybody in the mosque, and after he finished the call to prayers, he started leading the group prayers. Something unique I noticed is the manner in which the prayer was conducted. The prayer was formalized or ritualized, whereby worshippers were memorizing some parts in Arabic, and all people were saying it together similar to singing. While praying, they stood straight up, their hand in front of them or on their stomach and then bending over and standing back again, then kneeling down on their knees and hand in Islamic prostration position. Particular patterns were memorized during bending over and wholly prostrated forehead-to-the-carpet positions.
At a certain point during prayers, Imam read a long chapter of the Quran in Arabic. When the group prayer ended, everyone sat down while still in rows, and they briefly said some silent prayers after which individuals who wanted to leave the mosque were free to go. Nonetheless, some individuals proceeded to zakat, a place where they put money in the form of donations to help the poor or support the mosque. Inside the mosque, there were no benches or chairs like in the churches or synagogues. Only row upon row of carpets positioned facing the holy city, Mecca in Saudi Arabia filled the hall. Unlike in the Church that I attend, men and women do not mix while in the mosque. Women were worshiping in their separate chamber, mainly from where they can see the imam too. Only a few women were in attendance though. I was informed that most women prefer worshiping in homes rather than coming to the mosque. Near the front of the mosque was some raised steps, a structure called Minbar and this is where Imam delivered the sermon from....