Crumbs from the Table

Yesterday, I was present for the " khutbah " (sermon) before Friday prayers at Noor-ul-Islam mosque on Yarwood Street in Bury. I was there by kind agreement of Imam Hassanat, a gifted Muslim preacher, whom I met a few months ago through a mutual acquaintance, and I was made welcome. Noor-ul-Islam is one of seven Sunni mosques in Bury, and follows the Sufi way, a more mystical interpretation of the Muslim faith.  I have been present at Friday prayers on at least one occasion before (at a Shi'a mosque). I do not actively take part in the prayers, however, local Muslim leaders have allowed me to be present and observe. In this case, I was present for the preliminary "khutbah" which corresponds to a Christian Sunday morning sermon.  For those not familiar with Friday prayers, this is the main weekly gathering of Muslims early on Friday afternoon to perform the prescribed prayer ritual together at one of the set times of prayer. At this time of year in this part of t...

Today I attended Friday prayers at the mosque for the first time. I didn't participate in the prayers, but I was present, and the chairman of the mosque kindly interpreted for me. The mosque I attended was the Al-Mahdi Foundation in Bury (Shia Muslim).  Friday prayers is the equivalent of the Christian Sunday morning service. In the UK and other similar countries, Friday prayers come in the middle of the working day on a Friday, which means that for many attendance represents a sacrifice, while others are prevented from attending. The whole thing lasts for just over an hour.  Those attending prayers should have washed beforehand. There is a separate place for performing ablutions before worship. The procedure is more complex than thorough handwashing. It includes washing your mouth twice and expressing the intention to stand before Allah in prayer.  Before people arrive, long sheets are laid out with pre-printed spaces for individual worshippers (instead of individual pra...