The masjid used to play a central role in the societal building however the sad reality of today’s world is there is great administrative incompetence among the masjid to come up with dynamic programmes to suit the ummah’s needs. Thus, the masjid has become a dying institution in dire need of revival. In definition, the masjid is not just a monument, however, it is defined as any place where one can perform the act of worship. This is according to Professor Abdel Hadey Zakaryya Mohamed. This is also synonymous with the Prophet’s hadith saying that the whole earth is a masjid except the grave and the toilet. According to Ibn Khaldun, there are two types of city mosques; small local masajids for daily prayers and big community mosques for ceremonial prayers of Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha and Solatul Jumuah, called the jamih.
Clearly, masjids are the priceless heritage of our anbiya’ and they should be preserved and upheld in their sanctity and cleanliness. We can see a great disparity between the role of the mosque then and now. Back then, the focus is on the masjid’s pivotal role in ummah rallying and there is less emphasis in the building structure. Nowadays mosques are grandiose and exuberant in facade however the essence in terms of their roles in society are decaying. Masjids are being separated from everyday life, on grounds that religion should be separated from life, which is exactly what is being practised by liberals. Imams are not allowed to indulge in politics, by order of government. No longer is masjid a place for agenda-setting for worldly events that can better the ummah. Definitely, the masjid is reduced in its relevance and cannot enhance taqwa.
The Qiblah is the unifying symbol of Islam whereas everyone should face Mecca while performing prayers. It is important to have a common direction while observing prayers. It is a unique distinguishing feature among other religions. Locating the qiblah is convenient nowadays due to the advent technology of digital compasses and Qiblah finders. Previously, Muslims used to face Masjidil Aqsa which is a sacred place for Christians and Jews. Sixteen and half months after Hijrah, Allah revealed the change of Qiblah from Masjidil Aqsa to Mecca. It is an order which pleases the Prophet as it became a new symbolism that can discard dead rituals. Kaabah was also the earliest centre built by Ibrahim and connected to Adam.
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