mosque or not

[JJM]

Ok I’ve been asked to go to mosque next Friday. I don’t know if I should accept or not. I was wondering what you guys thought.

 

[InnerPhyre]

I say go for it. Should be an interesting experience.

 

[JJM]

the only probalem I have withit is the one prayer that claims Muhamed was a prophet

 

[ZooMom]

Are you participating in the prayers?

 

[InnerPhyre]

Well, don't say their prayers, but visiting is fine.

 

[JJM]

well thats all you really do at a mosque they don't really give a sermon I can't think of another thing you would do

 

[CeeBee]

hmm i dont know

 

[JJM]

the person who asked me to go isn't muslim so I'd have to ask him what would be expected but I'd think they might take offense if I just sat there

 

[hat lady]

I would go and if they explain their beliefs ask if you can share yours another time.

It's good to learn about others and see what and how they believe.

 

[Wild_Fan4Christ]

Yeah, that is a good idea. Learn about their beliefs and give them the opportunity to teach them about our beliefs. I would go but I would just be a bystander in the back and not participate. Not sure if they would be offended if you just stand in the back but I would hope they would understand that you have different beliefs and respect there's at the same time.

 

[ZooMom]

If you think they might take offense if you didn't participate, then it might be best if you didn't go at all. To participate would indicate a communion of belief. It falls under the same category as receiving Protestant communion. We can't. We don't believe as they do. We can't proclaim Mohammed as THE Prophet of God, because we don't believe that. And mouthing their prayers just to 'go along' is more offensive and damaging to your witness than just politely declining the invitation. It would be a lovely opportunity to observe and learn, but not at the expense of compromising your faith.


Peace be with you!

Sandy

 

[InnerPhyre]

I really don't think they would take offense. I'm a religious studies major and we have trips to all kinds of religious facilities and I've never heard of anyone being offended because some didn't participate. Muslims are pretty much just like you and me. They'd probably be happy that you were interested in learning about their beliefs.

 

[Lifesaver]

Look, I think that going for reasons of seeing the architecture and knowing more about Islam (with the clear conviction that it is a false religion) are not problematic.

But don't participate in their prayers.

 

[wellab]

Yeah, that is a good idea. Learn about their beliefs and give them the opportunity to teach them about our beliefs. I would go but I would just be a bystander in the back and not participate. Not sure if they would be offended if you just stand in the back but I would hope they would understand that you have different beliefs and respect there's at the same time.

I concur. I have been in a Mosque but not for any service. It was totally a learning experience, a tour, so to speak. On a Saturday, I think it was, this Ecumenical group went about town to every different kind of place of worship, for several different religions. It was for credit for my World Religion class in college. I thought the mosque, Hindu temple and Buddhist temples were cool. I was most impressed with the Jewish Synagogue. It was quite similar to our Catholic Church in ornateness. However no statues.

I would never participate in any prayers. That seems to be synonymous with having a Protestant friend going to Communion or reciting the Hail Mary. They wouldn't do either knowingly if they thought it meant being in communion with the Catholic Church. I think you can VISIT any place of worship without fear of being forced to pray. But ask one of the clerics before the prayer ceremony begins. Seems to me that Muslims pray 5 times a day everyday. And they do so where ever they are, wherever they can get into their prayer posture, I believe on the ground. Seems to me everyday they might run into people that are not fellow Muslims and would not care if you were there just observing.

I dunno, I think I would find out first what is expected and go from there.

 

[JJM]

Thanks everyone,

I don't know if I'd be expected to participate. The question was more if I was expected to participate should I go and I've pretty much seen a unanimous no here. I don't think I'll go if I have to. I don't think I'd expect the people there to want me to pray with them but It wouldn't surprise me if the person I was going to go with (who like I said isn't Muslim) participated. And if he is I just won’t go. SO I'll ask him and if I have to I won't go.