Do they let women in? I visited the Blue Mosque in Turkey once ages ago. It was empty most beautiful in the world. Ornate tile work simply beautiful went to the center of the Mosque and sat on the floor Full lotus and went into meditation such silence that echoed in it's silence. ...then a guy came and tapped me on the shoulder and said I could not sit like I was. And that I had to put my feet underneath or leave. I said this is how i sit for meditation... ...He said no way...feet underneath or go. I went. ...Hey it was my first visit to a Mosque and was not familiar with the customs. But what a beautiful place.
...Don't forget to cover your head with a scarf.
This post was edited by Baba at February 10, 2017 9:52 PM MST
Good one, Marguerite. It's always worth taking opportunities that may not exist again. A year or two back our major Sydney mosque opened it's doors for a day just so that we can meet and mingle and see that Muslims are people too, just like the rest of us.
@Didge, yes, it was welcoming, and interesting. We listened to the call to prayer, and some short prayers, although we don't understand what they are saying. The chanting is very musical, given by the imam. They were very gracious and fed us dinner afterwards.
I've known a lot of Muslims -- some I've worked with, some I've run with, some I've met at chess tournaments. There have been dozens, maybe more. And of all of them I can only recall one who was an extremist. Basically nice people.
I think that is great. I think it is important to see how others live or worship and try to understand. If people did more of that there would be a lot less hate in this world.
Lol, that's how they lure you in.. just remember what they never tell you in the beginning; once you join Islam, you can never leave, except as a dead body.
@nobodylair, this was a presentation for non Muslims. With all that is going on in the country with the ban, this church invites people from the community to visit, ask questions, and they gave us a dinner. It was cool!
Well, the outspoken ones are constantly being threatened and some even have to resort to hiring bodyguards in fear of their safety. I mean just ask Ayaan Hirsi Ali or Maajid Nawaz.. among others.
Well, I hope the place doesn't catch fire while you're in there. I've heard they block the doors to keep women from escaping.
I got invited to visit one of those singin' and shoutin' churches where the preacher walks out wearing a guitar. I was wishing the place would catch fire so I could escape without seeming rude.
Baba 