Etiquette of Visiting the Mosque
3668 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220 | (513) 221-4003
Greetings of Peace to our Prospective Guests
We welcome and thank you for your interest in visiting the Islamic Association of Cincinnati/Clifton Mosque. Clifton Mosque is located at 3668 Clifton Avenue in Cincinnati, Ohio 45220.
The length of a tour and discussion at the mosque should not exceed 1 1/2 hours. Tours are available on a regular basis. Please contact the office at (513) 221-4003 or admin@cliftonmosque.org, preferably at least two weeks in advance to schedule a tour.
A visit to the mosque will consist of:
- A tour of the mosque discussing the architecture and the role of the mosque in traditional and contemporary community life.
- An orientation to the basic beliefs and practices of Islam.
- Observance of one of the five daily prayers in the prayer hall, depending on the time of the tour. Visitors are welcome to observe the congregational (Jumu'ah) prayer on Friday at the time of the mid-afternoon prayer at 1:50 pm.
- An open discussion and question and answer period with the tour leader.
- A variety of pamphlets and brochures on a host of topics that the group can take home.
What is a Mosque?
The Arabic word for mosque, masjid, literally means “place of prostration.” A mosque traditionally functions as a place of worship. Mosques in the United States also function as community centers, libraries, and educational centers. The mosque is also a meeting place where Muslims gather to worship, to offer counsel, to study and learn, to socialize, and sometimes even for recreation. Above all, it is a special and sacred space for Muslims.
The best way in which to establish a good relationship with others is to be conscious of and respect their practices. There is some general etiquette and cultural practices that one should be aware of when visiting the mosque, and we ask guests to be sensitive to the etiquette of the mosque environment.
Mosque Dress Code
Visitors to the mosque are requested to dress in a conservative and modest manner. Both men and women should wear modest and loose clothing which covers all of the body except for the hands, feet and face. Men may wear long slacks and short or long sleeved shirts. Women should wear either full-length dresses or skirts or loose long pants and long-sleeved tops. Additionally, women should cover their hair with a scarf or shawl in the prayer area. Head coverings are available for your use if you do not have one.
Entering the Mosque
Before entering the prayer hall (place of prostration), we ask that you take off your shoes before walking on the carpets, as it is the place where people pray and should be kept very clean. Shoe racks are provided for your use outside the prayer halls.
Men and women enter the prayer hall by separate entrances. Before entering the prayer area, Muslim men and women perform ablutions (wudu) if they have not already done so at home. This is not necessary for the non-Muslim visitor who will not be joining in the prayer.
People coming for prayer enter the prayer hall and sit quietly on the floor when not standing to offer their prayers. Chairs are available for those for whom sitting on the floor is not comfortable.
For the non-Muslim visitor who will not be joining in the prayer: we appreciate your interest in visiting our mosque and wish for you to have an informative and enjoyable experience. Therefore, please do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions or concerns beforehand or during your visit.
A Few More Guidelines
Cell Phones
Cell phones are a distraction when they ring during any service at the mosque. Please put your cell phone on vibrate or silent when entering the mosque.
Talking During Prayer
If you need to talk to someone during the prayer, please take the conversation outside the prayer hall into the lobby so as not to distract those who are praying.
Not Standing/Walking in Front of Someone Who Is Praying
If you are walking through the prayer area and come across someone who is praying, please walk behind, rather than in front of them.
Shaking Hands with Members of the Opposite Gender
Please be aware that many Muslims do not shake hands with anyone of the opposite gender. That is, men do not shake hands with women, and women do not shake hands with men. Unless he or she extends his or her hand first, it is polite not to extend yours.
Gentle Reminders
- Please avoid talking among each other to keep the noise level down during Halaqas and Khutbah or while others are praying.
- Please keep your cell phones turned off or on vibration mode when inside the Masjid. If you do forget to place your phone on silent, and it begins to ring or play the adhaan, please quickly silence it to minimize the distraction to others.
- All children 8 years and above must pray next to their Mother or Father during the prayers.
- It's the Parents/Guardians responsibility to keep close watch on their children, keep them safe, make sure the children do not disturb others during prayers/lessons and prevent the children from damaging the Masjid properties.
- No running or playing is allowed in the Masjid. Adults are encouraged to stop children from playing (or making noise) without being harsh to them if it takes place in their presence. Parents will be held responsible for their children behavior.
- Children in the Masjid or outside must be supervised by parents at ALL times.
- Playing in the Masjid parking after Maghrib is strictly prohibited. We need help from Parents and all community members to enforce this rule.
- Shoes must be placed in the shoe racks and not left on the floor as a tripping hazard.
- Please avoid making Wudu in the restroom area and make Wudu in the Wudu area.
- It is everyone's responsibility to keep the Masjid clean at ALL times. Please place trash into the trash or recycle can.
- Park your vehicle in the designated parking area only, violators will be towed at owner's expense. No overnight parking allowed without prior approval from Masjid administration.
- Overnight stay at the Masjid by individuals or groups is not allowed without prior approval from Masjid administration.
- No advertising materials (flyers, business cards, etc) shall be placed inside masjid or dropped off without prior approval from Masjid administration.
- Please place your shoes in the racks and do not leave them on the floor as a tripping hazard.
- Please help keep masjid premises clean at all times.
- Photography/video is not allowed inside the Masjid premises unless permission is granted by the Masjid administration.
- No one is allowed to use Masjid microphone, sound system, video camera or any other equipment without prior approval from Masjid administration.
- Only authorized persons are allowed inside kitchen and office.
- Do not take Masjid's books home with you.
- Do not bring or distribute any literature or books without Shiekh Hadi and/or Masjid administration approval.
- Boys over 10 years of age are not allowed to enter the Sisters area any time, they must stay on the brothers side.
- If you have any disagreement or suggestions, please feel free to write your comments or suggestions and drop it in the suggestions box located inside the Masjid.
Thank you.
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