A mosque is a religious building or a place of worship for followers of the Islamic faith. It is considered the holiest place for Muslims after the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Muslims gather in mosques to perform their obligatory daily prayers, Friday congregational prayers, and other Islamic ceremonies.
Mosques come in different architectural styles and sizes depending on the region and culture. However, they share some common features, such as a minaret (a tower used to call the faithful to prayer), a domed roof, and a prayer hall. The prayer hall usually faces the holy city of Mecca and contains a niche called the mihrab, which indicates the direction of the Kaaba. There is also a pulpit called the minbar, from which the imam delivers sermons or speeches.
Apart from prayer and worship, mosques also serve as a center for community activities such as education, charity, and social events. They often have facilities such as classrooms, libraries, and community halls.
Mosques play a vital role in Islamic society, not just as a place of worship, but also as a center of social and cultural life. They represent a sense of unity, brotherhood, and shared identity among Muslims.