4 things to know when visiting a mosque

We have spoken about responsible tourism on other occasions. Respecting the culture and traditions of the destinations we visit is a fundamental requirement for responsible travel.

When we travel, places of worship outside our own country seem mysterious and exotic, and sometimes we enter them without particular care. However, this should not be the case. What is a tourist attraction for us is a sacred place for people who go to pray. Something we must respect in Buddhist temples as well as in the Orthodox Churches or any other religion. Therefore, we are going to provide you with a list of the 4 things you should know when visiting a mosque.

Make sure you can visit the mosque you have chosen

When visiting a mosque, you should know that not all mosques are open to the public. Some are freely accessible only to Muslims. There are places like Istanbul that not only accept tourists of all religions, but are also willing to lend towels so that women can cover their shoulders, for example. But Islam is one of the most widespread religions on earth and you will find less permissive countries.

So before you plan your visit, you should first make sure that you will be admitted. This will avoid awkward moments for you and your hosts.

Respect the dress code

People who do not practice religion or profess more permissive beliefs find it strange that some places of worship require them to dress in a certain way. But the fact of the matter is that before entering a mosque, you should know that the dress code is pretty strict.

You must remove your shoes before entering the premises. As a rule, at the entrances to the premises there are places where you can put them. This is the case in Buddhist temples, for example. Not only is it a sign of respect, it also contributes to a cleaner building.
It is recommended that men wear buttoned shirts and loose-fitting, dark-colored long trousers.
Women should also cover their ankles and wrists with loose-fitting clothing. The shoulders should be covered in any case, and in some places it is necessary to cover the hair as well.

Behave decently during prayer.
Another thing to know before visiting a mosque is that once inside, one should behave with due respect. One should not adjust one’s clothes while the believers are praying, nor should one roll up one’s sleeves. The latter is a perfectly normal gesture, especially when it’s hot, but it can be interpreted as a serious lack of respect.

Also remember that Muslims are used to praying on the floor. If visiting the mosque is allowed during prayer time, try not to disturb the worshipers. Be discreet, and if you see more people praying than visiting, try to sit on the floor so as not to draw attention. Do not do this with your legs stretched out as it will be considered a disrespectful gesture. And don’t get on your knees either, because that’s reserved for Muslims.

You will see that nobody looks up to heaven during prayer. If you want to admire the decoration of the interior of the mosque, wait until the prayer is over because looking up is considered an insult to Allah. If you’re not a Muslim, this rule doesn’t apply to you, but we’ll talk about how to behave with respect and what you need to know before visiting a mosque.

Finally, it is advisable to stay at the back of the building, away from the worship area, so as not to disturb the worshipers. Silence during your visit is an international sign of respect when it coincides with a moment of prayer. Otherwise, it is definitely better to speak softly.

Separation by gender

Depending on the mosque you are visiting or the country you are planning to visit, you should only come accompanied by a person of the opposite sex. Islam requires men and women to pray separately, and there are rooms reserved for men only and women only. This doesn’t happen in the most visited mosques, but it’s possible it can happen to you. Remember, it’s nothing strange, don’t worry and behave naturally.

Fortunately, the world has many beautiful mosques, such as the Alabaster Mosque in Cairo, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul or the Mosque of Cordoba. As a tourist, be responsible and show respect in order to be able to visit the mosques without any problems. Use this little list of things to know before visiting a mosque and