Visting FAQ’s
Schedule a Visit
The Community Engagement Team of the Ashton Central Mosque arranges presentations and visits to the Mosque for schools, churches, and other organisations. Individuals are also encouraged to contact us for visits and tours of the Mosque.
The following are the most frequently asked questions asked when visiting a Mosque. If you require further clarification, please contact the Imam.
Visiting The Ashton Central Mosque
The Ashton Central Mosque welcomes all individuals and organisations who would like to visit and observe the daily prayers and learn more about Islam and Muslims.
The Masjid – Mosque:
The Masjid is a religious and sanctified place where Muslims come to pray, contemplate and worship Allah (God). Masjid in the Arabic language means a place of prostration; the Masjid is a place of submission and worship solely to Allah (God). Therefore, all those who enter into the Masjid must behave in a dignified and respectful manner. The names Mosque and Masjid are synonymous in meaning; however, the term Mosque is widely used in the English language, whereas Muslims use Masjid.
What Should I Wear?
It is most appropriate to wear modest, loose-fitting full-length clothes. For men, it is better to wear loose trousers, and for women to wear trousers or full-length skirts or dresses with long sleeves. Short skirts and low-neck tops are strictly not permitted in the Mosque.
Why Do We Take Our Shoes Off?
The Masjid is a place of spiritual and physical purification where Muslims stand and prostate, therefore you must remove your shoes before entering the prayer, so that the floors and carpets are not soiled or contaminated.
Can I Take Photos/Videos?
Yes, you are welcome to take photos or videos in the Mosque, however please ensure that you do not disturb anyone worshiper whilst taking them.
Where Are The Women Praying?
In Islam piety and sincerity is a necessary part of worship, the acts of the daily prayers are very intimate in nature and therefore to aid this and for added privacy and devotion, women offer prayers separately from men. This can be either behind the men or in a separate room above the men.
What Happens When People Join The Prayer Late?
They will join the prayer already in progress, and after the Imam (leader of the prayer) has finished, they will complete what they missed.
How Do Friday Prayers Work?
Friday is the day of congregational prayers for Muslims. The service begins with the call to prayer, followed by a lecture (with a brief pause in the middle). After the lecture (called a Khutbah), a second call to prayer is made and the congregation stands to follow the Imam in the prayer.
Mobiles/Electronics
A ringing mobile or electronic is a distraction to any service at the Mosque, therefore please silence, or power-off phones when entering the building.
Talking During Prayers
If you need to talk to someone during the prayer, please take the conversation outside the prayer hall into the atrium or hallways so as not to distract those who are praying.
Not Standing/Walking In Front Of Someone Praying
If you are walking through the prayer area and come across someone who is praying, please walk behind them, instead of in front of him/her.
Shaking Hands With Opposite Gender
Please be aware that Muslims do not shake hands with anyone of the opposite gender. That is, men do not shake hands with women, and women do not shake hands with men. Unless he/she extends his/her hand first, it is better to not extend yours. This is due to respect of not touching a woman/man that you are not married to.
Bodily Odours
Muslims are prevented from entering the Masjid if they have any foul odours on their clothes or body. Similarly, we expect that all visitors will ensure that they maintain a high level of cleanliness and presence.
When To Visit
We welcome you to visit between Mondays – Thursdays, or on the weekends, however the entire month of Ramadan and Eid festivities are excluded. For schools or organisations, timings can be adjusted so that they receive a comprehensive tour of the Mosque and understanding of Islam. We deliver age specific content and can cater for specific modules or questions that you may have.
Average Visit Schedules:
Arrival, Meet & Greet, Sitting & Introductions 15 Minutes
Presentation 60-75 Minutes
Q&A 15 Minutes
Activities 15-30 Minutes
View Live Prayers 5/10 Minutes
Mosque Tour 15 Minutes
Refreshments 10/15 Minutes
Parking & Facilities:
We have ample parking facilities for cars, coaches and buses, please contact us for any other arrangements. There are multiple male and female disability toilets on site as well as two lifts and tables for lunch/refreshments.
Charges:
There are no charges whatsoever for any visits by individuals or organisations, however you are welcome to donate if you wish.