Mosques are constructed with the objective of worshipping Allah, and they reflect simplicity and seriousness, tranquility and refinement, and spirituality and peacefulness and symbolize the principle of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah). In these qualities mosques stand distinguished from places of worship established by other religions.
Quran Says about Mosques
(The guided people worship Allah) in the houses that Allah has permitted to be raised, and where His name is recounted and His purity is pronounced, in the morning and in the evening, [24: 36]
by the men whom no trade or sale makes neglectful of the remembrance of Allah, nor from establishing Salāh and paying Zakāh ; they are fearful of a day in which the hearts and the eyes will be over-turned. [24:37]
And the places of worship are for God (alone): so invoke not any one along with God. [72: 18]
Say, “My Lord has ordered me to do justice.”Set your faces aright on each occasion of prostration, and pray to Him with pure faith in Him. Just as He has originated you, so you will be raised again. [7: 29]
O Children of Adam! wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer. [7: 31]
Functions of Mosque
Mosques used to function as religious centres for educating, disciplining, guiding and instructing Muslims.
In them were resolved social and religious problems of Muslims. Instructions were issued from there to Muslims relating to all important affairs.
When an important event occurred and Muslims needed new instructions, the Prophet of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him), ordered that a call (Salatul Jamea) be given signifying that all Muslims (including those usually praying in other mosques and living in distant areas) should gather in the Prophet’s mosque for prayer, as a matter of importance and consequence was to be discussed there.
Mosques continued to play this important role ever since. Life in a Muslim society used to revolve around them.
All endeavours of knowledge and guidance and all movements of reform and welfare arose from mosques.
Our present Muslim society needs to understand the important role that mosques can play in providing it a positive direction.