A first-time guide
Visiting a mosque, without the guesswork.
Curious neighbors, seekers, new Muslims, and Muslims who have been away a long time all feel the same flicker of nerves at the door. Here is everything that usually goes unsaid, so you can walk in knowing what to expect.
A visit, step by step
From the parking lot to the goodbye.
Before you go: pick a time
The easiest first visit is just before a prayer, or at Jumu’ah, the Friday midday prayer, when the most people are there and someone is sure to greet you. Prayer times change with the season, so check the masjid’s current times first. If you would like to be expected, call ahead, or come with a Muslim friend if you have one.
What to wear
Modest, loose, comfortable clothes. For men, a shirt with sleeves and long pants. For women, clothing that covers the arms and legs, and a scarf for your hair is appreciated in the prayer area, though visitors are not expected to be perfect about it. Skip shorts and tank tops. Wear clean socks: you will be walking in them.
Arriving
Take your shoes off before stepping onto the carpeted prayer area; there are usually shelves or racks near the door. Many mosques have separate areas or entrances for men and women. The common greeting is “As-salamu alaykum,” peace be upon you, and the reply is “Wa alaykum as-salam.” A simple hello is completely fine too.
Washing before prayer
Muslims wash in a set way, called wudu, before praying, so you may see people at sinks. If you are only visiting and not praying, you do not need to do anything. If you are Muslim and want to learn it, prayer basics shows the steps.
During the prayer
Sit or stand quietly toward the back and watch; nobody expects a visitor to join. Please do not walk directly in front of someone who is praying, keep your phone silent, and take photos only with permission. At Jumu’ah there is a sermon, the khutbah, before the prayer; it usually lasts twenty to thirty minutes.
After the prayer
This is the best moment to talk. People often stay a few minutes to greet each other, and you may be offered tea or a snack. Ask whatever you like. You are free to leave whenever you want, and nobody will pressure you about anything.
Questions nobody asks out loud
The things people worry about in the car.
Can I come if I’m not Muslim?
Yes. Mosques are houses of worship, and respectful visitors are welcome. Many Muslims are glad to explain what they do and why.
Will anyone expect me to pray, or pressure me to convert?
No. Watching is completely fine, and becoming Muslim is a personal decision that nobody can make for you. The Quran itself says there is no compulsion in religion.
What if I do something wrong?
Then someone will kindly show you, and that is all. Everyone was new once. Mistakes by a visitor who is trying to be respectful are not a big deal to anyone.
I’m Muslim, but I haven’t prayed in years. Can I just come?
Yes. Come. Nobody checks attendance, and nobody will ask where you have been. Stand in the row, follow the imam as best you remember, and let it be a beginning. The returning section of the Convert Care Pathway is for you.
Can I bring my children?
Usually, yes. Children are a normal sight at most mosques. Keep little ones close during the prayer itself, and bring something quiet for them to do.
Is the khutbah in English?
In most American mosques it is mostly in English, with passages from the Quran recited in Arabic. Practice varies, so if language matters to you, ask the masjid when you call.
For sisters
Many mosques have a separate women’s area, sometimes with its own entrance. If you are unsure where to go, ask any woman you see, or call ahead and ask for someone to meet you. Bring a scarf; most mosques also keep spares.
For travelers
Passing through Pueblo on I-25 or US-50? The masjid is a short drive from both. Travelers may shorten and combine prayers; if you are praying on the road, today’s times and the qibla are on one page.
For families of new Muslims
If someone you love has become Muslim and you want to understand, visiting with them is one of the kindest things you can do. Come as a guest; you do not have to agree with anything to be welcome.
Visiting in Pueblo
Pueblo Islamic Society, 30 Martha Lane
Pueblo’s masjid is a small, close community. Visitors have noted that the entrance is easy to miss the first time, so it is worth calling ahead or arriving a few minutes early.
Pueblo Islam is not the masjid and does not speak for it; for anything about its schedule, programs, or policies, the masjid’s own word comes first.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَٰكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓا۟
We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another.
Quran 49:13, translated by PickthallWould a friendly face help?
If you would rather not walk in alone, ask for guidance and say so. Where a volunteer is available, someone can meet you for your first visit.