What Is a Mosque?

A mosque is a Muslim place of prostration, the masjid. The Qur’an says the masjids are for Allah, that prayer turns toward the Sacred Mosque in Mecca, and that people leave trade when the call comes on Friday. The religion that has a mosque is Islam. Christians say the hour has come to worship the Father in spirit and truth, not by facing Mecca.

Key Points

• Qur’an 72:18Qur’an 72:18 · Saheeh InternationalAnd [He revealed] that the masjids are for Allāh, so do not invoke with Allāh anyone.Qur’an 72:18 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source (Saheeh International) says the masjids are for Allah, so do not invoke anyone with Allah. Qur’an 9:18Qur’an 9:18 · Saheeh InternationalThe mosques of Allāh are only to be maintained by those who believe in Allāh and the Last Day and establish prayer and give zakāh and do not fear except Allāh, for it is expected that those will be of the [rightly] guided.Qur’an 9:18 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says the mosques of Allah are maintained by those who believe, pray, and give zakat.
• Qur’an 2:144Qur’an 2:144 · Saheeh InternationalWe have certainly seen the turning of your face, [O Muḥammad], toward the heaven, and We will surely turn you to a qiblah with which you will be pleased. So turn your face [i.e., yourself] toward al-Masjid al-Ḥarām. And wherever you [believers] are, turn your faces [i.e., yourselves] toward it [in prayer]. Indeed, those who have been given the Scripture [i.e., the Jews and the Christians] well know that it is the truth from their Lord. And Allāh is not unaware of what they do.Qur’an 2:144 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Haram. Qur’an 2:125Qur’an 2:125 · Saheeh InternationalAnd [mention] when We made the House [i.e., the Kaʿbah] a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Abraham a place of prayer. And We charged Abraham and Ishmael, [saying], "Purify My House for those who perform ṭawāf and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer]."Qur’an 2:125 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source calls the Kaaba God’s House, to be purified for those who bow and prostrate.
• Qur’an 5:6Qur’an 5:6 · Saheeh InternationalO you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janābah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. Allāh does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful.Qur’an 5:6 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source tells worshippers to wash face, arms, head, and feet before prayer. Qur’an 62:9Qur’an 62:9 · Saheeh InternationalO you who have believed, when [the adhān] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumuʿah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allāh and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.Qur’an 62:9 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says when the call is made on Friday, proceed to the remembrance of God and leave trade.
• Sahih al-Bukhari 604Sahih al-Bukhari 604 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanNarrated Ibn `Umar: When the Muslims arrived at Medina, they used to assemble for the prayer, and used to guess the time for it. During those days, the practice of Adhan for the prayers had not been introduced yet. Once they discussed this problem regarding the call for prayer. Some people suggested the use of a bell like the Christians, others proposed a trumpet like the horn used by the Jews, but `Umar was the first to suggest that a man should call (the people) for the prayer; so Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) ordered Bilal to get up and pronounce the Adhan for prayers.Sahih al-Bukhari 604 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source says the Muslims in Medina discussed a call to prayer, rejected a bell and a trumpet, and that the messenger ordered Bilal to pronounce the adhan. The report does not mention a tower.
• Pew’s 2025 report says Muslims were the fastest-growing religious group from 2010 to 2020. The number of Muslims increased by 347 million, and their share of the world rose to 25.6 percent.
• Christians read John 4:21–24John 4:21–24 · King James Version^4:21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. ^4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. ^4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. ^4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.John 4:21–24 · King James VersionOpen source. Jesus says the hour is coming when the Father is not worshiped on one mountain or in Jerusalem, and that God is spirit, worshiped in spirit and truth.

A Place of Prostration

Masjid is the Arabic word for the place of prostration. Mosque is the English word for that building.

Qur’an 72:18Qur’an 72:18 · Saheeh InternationalAnd [He revealed] that the masjids are for Allāh, so do not invoke with Allāh anyone.Qur’an 72:18 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source (Saheeh International) says:

And [He revealed] that the masjids are for Allāh, so do not invoke with Allāh anyone.

Qur’an 72:18 · Saheeh International

Qur’an · accepted by Muslims

Qur’an 9:18Qur’an 9:18 · Saheeh InternationalThe mosques of Allāh are only to be maintained by those who believe in Allāh and the Last Day and establish prayer and give zakāh and do not fear except Allāh, for it is expected that those will be of the [rightly] guided.Qur’an 9:18 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says the mosques of Allah are maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, establish prayer, give zakat, and fear none except Allah. Qur’an 2:114Qur’an 2:114 · Saheeh InternationalAnd who are more unjust than those who prevent the name of Allāh from being mentioned [i.e., praised] in His mosques and strive toward their destruction. It is not for them to enter them except in fear. For them in this world is disgrace, and they will have in the Hereafter a great punishment.Qur’an 2:114 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source condemns those who prevent Allah’s name from being mentioned in his mosques and strive toward their destruction. Qur’an 24:36Qur’an 24:36 · Saheeh International[Such niches are] in houses [i.e., mosques] which Allāh has ordered to be raised and that His name be mentioned [i.e., praised] therein; exalting Him within them in the morning and the eveningsQur’an 24:36 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source speaks of houses Allah has ordered to be raised, where his name is mentioned morning and evening.

Qur’an 17:1Qur’an 17:1 · Saheeh InternationalExalted is He who took His Servant [i.e., Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ)] by night from al-Masjid al-Ḥarām to al-Masjid al-Aqṣā, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.Qur’an 17:1 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source names two mosques in the night journey: al-Masjid al-Haram and al-Masjid al-Aqsa. What Is the Temple Mount in Islam?

The Direction of Prayer

Qur’an 2:144Qur’an 2:144 · Saheeh InternationalWe have certainly seen the turning of your face, [O Muḥammad], toward the heaven, and We will surely turn you to a qiblah with which you will be pleased. So turn your face [i.e., yourself] toward al-Masjid al-Ḥarām. And wherever you [believers] are, turn your faces [i.e., yourselves] toward it [in prayer]. Indeed, those who have been given the Scripture [i.e., the Jews and the Christians] well know that it is the truth from their Lord. And Allāh is not unaware of what they do.Qur’an 2:144 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says God will turn Muhammad to a qibla he will be pleased with, and it commands him to turn his face toward al-Masjid al-Haram, the Sacred Mosque. Wherever the believers are, they turn their faces toward it. Qur’an 2:125Qur’an 2:125 · Saheeh InternationalAnd [mention] when We made the House [i.e., the Kaʿbah] a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Abraham a place of prayer. And We charged Abraham and Ishmael, [saying], "Purify My House for those who perform ṭawāf and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer]."Qur’an 2:125 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says God made the House, the Kaaba, a place of return and security, and charged Abraham and Ishmael to purify it for those who circle it, stay, bow, and prostrate.

Qur’an 5:6Qur’an 5:6 · Saheeh InternationalO you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janābah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. Allāh does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful.Qur’an 5:6 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source is the washing before prayer: faces, forearms to the elbows, a wipe of the head, and feet to the ankles. If water is missing, the verse says to seek clean earth and wipe face and hands. What Do Muslims Believe?

The Call to Prayer

The Qur’an uses the call. It does not describe a minaret.

Sahih al-Bukhari 604Sahih al-Bukhari 604 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanNarrated Ibn `Umar: When the Muslims arrived at Medina, they used to assemble for the prayer, and used to guess the time for it. During those days, the practice of Adhan for the prayers had not been introduced yet. Once they discussed this problem regarding the call for prayer. Some people suggested the use of a bell like the Christians, others proposed a trumpet like the horn used by the Jews, but `Umar was the first to suggest that a man should call (the people) for the prayer; so Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) ordered Bilal to get up and pronounce the Adhan for prayers.Sahih al-Bukhari 604 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source (Muhammad Muhsin Khan), a Sunni hadith, says that when the Muslims arrived at Medina they guessed the time of prayer. Some suggested a bell like the Christians. Others suggested a trumpet like the Jews. Umar suggested that a man should call the people. The messenger ordered Bilal to get up and pronounce the adhan.

The purpose of the call, in that report, is a man’s voice telling people it is time to pray. A tower is a later building habit. This page does not date the first minaret, because the hadith does not. Which Muslims Accept Which Hadith?

Friday

Qur’an 62:9Qur’an 62:9 · Saheeh InternationalO you who have believed, when [the adhān] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumuʿah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allāh and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.Qur’an 62:9 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says that when the adhan is called for prayer on the day of Jumuah, Friday, believers proceed to the remembrance of God and leave trade. That is the weekly gathering. It is not a claim that God lives in the building. Qur’an 72:18Qur’an 72:18 · Saheeh InternationalAnd [He revealed] that the masjids are for Allāh, so do not invoke with Allāh anyone.Qur’an 72:18 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says the masjids are for Allah. Who Is Allah?

The Christian Claim

Muslims prostrate toward the Kaaba and gather when Bilal’s kind of call is made. John 4:21–24John 4:21–24 · King James Version^4:21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. ^4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. ^4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. ^4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.John 4:21–24 · King James VersionOpen source has Jesus tell a Samaritan woman that the hour is coming when worship is neither on that mountain nor in Jerusalem. He says God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. Christians confess that God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and they do not turn their bodies toward Mecca. The Trinity What Is the Difference Between Islam and Christianity?

Frequently Asked Questions

What Religion Has a Mosque?

Islam. A mosque is the Muslim place of prostration. Judaism’s place in the Bible is the temple, and the church’s gathering is not a masjid. What Is the Temple Mount in Islam?

Which Religion Is the Fastest-Growing in the World?

Pew’s report, published 9 June 2025, says Muslims were the fastest-growing religious group from 2010 to 2020. The number of Muslims increased by 347 million, more than all other religions combined. Their share of the world’s population rose by 1.8 points, to 25.6 percent. Christians rose by 122 million, to 2.3 billion, and their share fell 1.8 points, to 28.8 percent. The report states the change. It is not a verse of the Qur’an.

What Is the Purpose of a Minaret?

The Qur’an does not use the word. Bukhari 604 says the call was a man, Bilal, announcing the prayer. A minaret is a tower from which that kind of call can be made. The hadith’s purpose is the call, not the stonework.

Why Is Islam so Popular?

Pew counts a rise of 347 million Muslims in that decade and a share of 25.6 percent in 2020. This page does not add a cause the report’s sentences here do not state. The beliefs are on What Do Muslims Believe?.

Do Muslims Accept the LGBTQ Community?

Qur’an 7:80–81Qur’an 7:80-81 · Saheeh InternationalAnd [We had sent] Lot when he said to his people, "Do you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds [i.e., peoples]? Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing people."Qur’an 7:80-81 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source has Lot call approaching men with desire instead of women a transgression. Who Is Allah?

What Can’t a Woman Do in Islam?

The Qur’an does not publish one list of things a woman cannot do. It does set inheritance, witnesses, and a husband’s charge, including a strike. What Does Islam Say About Women? Why Do Muslim Women Wear the Hijab?

Keep Reading

• What Do Muslims Believe?
• What Is the Temple Mount in Islam?
• Who Was Muhammad?
• What Does Islam Say About Women?
• What Is Sharia Law?