A Mosque is the place used by Muslims for religious assemblies. However, the mosque is more than just a place for prayer. It is also an educational and social centre.

The word 'mosque' is derived from 'masjid', an old Arabic word meaning 'place of prostration' or 'place for prayer'. Originally, a Muslim's mosque was 'wherever he was'. Muhammad used to lead the prayers for his followers in his own house (and later in a mosque). Afterwards, he would teach the others Islam, sitting on a high chair and leaning on a lance. These days, the lance is usually replaced by a symbolic staff.

A modern mosque will always have the most important part of any mosque - that used for prayer - but it may also have many areas used for other purposes, such as classrooms, wedding feasts and other social gatherings, meetings, administration, etc. In smaller mosques, especially in third world countries, there may be just one area which is used for all of these.

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