9 Ramadan 1429 / 9 September 2008

I have been trying to make this an eclectic Ramadan, so I have visited quite a few different masaajid (mosques), and I will share my observations.  But first I want to provide an interesting bit of linguistic history I picked up from my brother, who lived in Spain for over a year.  The word “mosque” came from the Medieval Age when Muslims occupied Spain.  They composed such a large percentage of the population that the Spaniards would comment on how they so frequently swarmed to the masjid like a bunch of flies, or muscas as they said in Spanish.  That presents a rather unpleasant image so I stick with masjid.

From my minimal understanding of the language, putting a meem (Arabic m) in front of a word in Arabic usually turns it into a concrete noun related to the original word.  Sujud refers to the position of Islamic prayer in which the individual, on his or her hands and knees, places the forehead on the ground, saying “Subhana rabbiyal-’ala” (Glory to the Lord, Most High).  We believe that at this moment of prostration, one becomes closer to Allah than at any other time in the worldly life.  So our houses of worship are called “masaajid” (sing. masjid), or a place where one can get closest to Allah.

Reflections of Chicago masaajid that I have visited this month:

1) The first masjid I went to this month is rather small, maybe about the size of a regulation basketball half-court (I love basketball).  It is located on the west-side and consists predominantly of African-American converts.  Although I hear it is common in other countries, it is the only masjid I know of that has an outdoor amplification system for the adhaan (call to prayer).  It has the softest carpet of any masaajid with which I am familiar.  Delightful!  A local community service group provides food and clothing for the poor in the community, and some of the attendees work as chaplains in the Cook County Jail, teaching Islam to inmates who express interest.  I attend this masjid more frequently than the others so I know more about it than I know about them.

2) There is a masjid located downtown, and it is usually open only during the weekday business hours although it is open more for this month.  I have gone here for taraweeh (see 2 Ramadan), but I have not yet attended the iftaar.  It accommodates a diverse group of Muslims from all over the world, predominantly Desi (Indian/Pakistani/Bengali).  I often attend the jum’uah (Friday congregational prayer), and in my experience, it usually has the more knowledgable, charismatic speakers to give the khutbah (sermon).

3) One of the masaajid on the north side is conveniently located near a concentrated plethora of ethnic* restaurants.  The brothers here are very friendly, as they are in most masaajid, but I have heard the female perspective of this one, and the sisters all seem to feel unwelcome.  I understand and respect the separation of the genders in Islam, as it effectively prevents intimate pre-marital relationships.  But when it goes beyond a certain point, it seems to compromise the potential for building the community.  There is much to say about this issue and will be a main topic for another day, inshaAllah.

*I use the term “ethnic” to protect the local community.  This behavior is found among all ethnicities in the Muslim population.

4) Another masjid on the north side is extremely diverse.  One can not pinpoint a majority ethnic population here, and from what I hear, the attendees include a small Hispanic convert population.  Today was only the second time I’ve been here, and I haven’t really noticed.  I think without even realizing it until just now, I have given up trying to guess peoples’ nationalities and ethnic backgrounds.  Up until about a couple months ago, it used to be a kind of game for me, but not anymore.  Alhamdulillah.

I hope to attend more masaajid in the next 20-21 days so that I can gain new experiences and share another post along the lines of this one.  InshaAllah.