Principles of Islam
28. The Mosque
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The
salat
ends with each worshipper turning his
face sideways and uttering these words: “May
God’s peace and blessings be upon you.” Every
day, all around the globe, Muslims perform this
rite. It is as if they were saying to their fellow men
all over the world: “O people, we have no feelings
for you but those of peace. Your lives, property and
honour – all are safe.” It is this spirit with which
worshippers are enthused before they return to
society.
Besides the five daily obligatory prayers, there is a
weekly Friday prayer, which is necessarily offered
in the mosque. In practice and content it is just like
any other prayer, but since a larger number of
people gather on this occasion, a sermon
(khutba),
giving religious guidance, is also preached by the
Imam before the prayers begin. In this, he reminds
worshippers of their accountability to God, of the
commandments pertaining to Islamic character and
of the proper way to deal with others in society. In
this way, the Friday sermon refreshes the memory
on religious commitments.
