The Role of the Mosque (Masjid)
Dear Folks
The Mosque in Islamic history was the focal point where political, social, and religious activities were perfectly blended together. The concept of Islamic ideology paid as much attention to a man’s well-being and welfare in this world as much as the life hereafter. In this sense the role of the mosque has always been instrumental in the social-moral and political uplift of the Muslim community. However, in the later period after Khilafat-e-Rashida, the period of first four pious caliphs with the decline of the political supremacy of the Muslims resulting in their disintegration under foreign rule, the concept and role of the mosque also underwent fundamental changes. Consequently the active and dynamic role the mosque played in the life of the Ummah in the period of our prophet and caliphs was reduced to a place of rituals and worship. The later concept continues up to today. This has not only rendered the mosque ineffective as a center of social uplift but it has rather indirectly or directly increased the sectarianism and parochialism among Muslims. It is therefore of paramount importance that the present concept of the role of mosques be analysed and redefined in the light of its original concept and function in the days of the Prophet and in the context of the present needs of the Muslim community.
(1) Mosques have lost their social character much more so in cities. More emphasis is given on the neutral role of the mosque in society and is no more a part of the social life of the Community.
(2) Mosques tend to belong to sects, localities but not to the Muslim community as a whole.
(3) With the exception of a few mosques, persons from other sects are not allowed in some mosques. Strange it may look but the entrance of other sects in some mosques is forbidden by notices written on their main doors i.e. Masjid Hanfiah, Masjid Gausia, Masjid Ahle-Hadith etc.
(4) Islam does not advocate the division of loyalty towards God and Caesar. The mosque was not only a place of worship, but also the center of political, social and military activities in early Islam. Due to various political and historical reasons the role of mosque was reduced to a place of worship only.
In order to revive the mosque at least as a center for community, it is essential to study the role and function of the mosque built by the Holy Prophet when he migrated from Makkah to Medina. Intention here is not to delve into details but a casual look at Islamic literature will reveal that the mosque was a place for Salaat as well as a center of temporal activities. The concept of holiness is alien to the Islamic concept of mosque and is a later development. by - Maqbool Farhat
Cheers
Nawaz
Religion Islam
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