Mosque

Mosque, Muslim place of worship. The name derives from the Arabic masjid, meaning “a place for prostration” (in prayer). Mosques are typically built with one or more minarets (towers); a courtyard with fountains or wells for ceremonial washing; an area where the faithful assemble for prayers led by the imam (priest); a mihrab (niche) indicating the qiblah (direction) of Mecca; a mimbar (pulpit) and sometimes, facing it, a maqsurah (enclosed area for important persons). Some mosques include a madrasah (religious school).

See also: Islam.