[IFNNEWS] Upholding Masjid Etiquette

Assalamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu IFN community,

As Ramadan approaches, we are reminded of the importance of creating an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment for everyone who enters the masjid, as the Prophet () said, "The masjid is the house of every believer. Every individual should feel a deep sense of belonging, and no one should feel "unmosqued" or disconnected from the community.

To ensure that we maintain the dignity and sanctity of our masjid while fostering unity, we have outlined some important etiquettes to follow. These guidelines apply to all who attend, use, or engage with the masjid and our community spaces.

Etiquettes of the Masjid

All individuals attending or booking the musallah area or any activities in the Masjid must observe the following etiquettes to ensure a respectful and peaceful environment:

1. Dress Code

2. Womens Area. Women should use the designated womens area in the Masjid. The area should remain separate from the mens section. Modesty should be maintained at all times. For lectures in the main musallah area, women are allowed to come downstairs to join the mens musallah area, provided they are following the proper dress code. The masjid administration will set up a proper barrier during lectures to uphold these principles if the lecture is in the musullah area. This setup ensures that both genders have equal access to see the guest speaker, ask questions, and engage with the event, while also maintaining the sanctity of the masjid and modesty.

3. Mens Area. Men should adhere to the same dress code and behavior guidelines in the mens section. Men should not enter the womens area without permission.

4. Silence and Respect. Maintain quietness and respect, especially during prayer and dhikr (remembrance of Allah). Mobile phones should be silenced to avoid distractions. Music is strictly prohibited in any part of the masjid. Ringtones with music should be turned off immediately, especially if they go off during Salah.

5. Cleanliness. Dispose of trash in designated bins and avoid eating or drinking in the prayer areas. Remove shoes in designated areas before entering the prayer hall.

6. Personal Hygiene. Maintain clean personal hygiene by wearing clean clothes, avoiding strong odors from certain foods (such as garlic), and using mild, non-intoxicating scents. Some of the foods we eat may leave a smell on the clothes we wear, so please be mindful of this. If you sneeze, cover your mouth or consider using a mask.

7. During Prayer. Ensure focus and humility during Salah (prayer). Lines should be filled from the front, and gaps between worshippers should be minimized.

8. Booking the Musallah. Confirm booking with Masjid administration and ensure timely arrival for your event. All areas must be left clean after use.

9. Children. Children are one of the greatest blessings in life. They should be welcomed and encouraged to come, and it is important that they are supervised at all times by their legal guardians to ensure their safety and they do not disrupt prayers or activities.

10. General Conduct. Treat everyone with kindness and respect. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

11. Jumu'ah Etiquette After the Jumu'ah prayer, men should not crowd the area where women leave so that women can exit the main hall with their personal space. This ensures that the women can leave in a comfortable and respectful manner without feeling crowded.

Warm regards,

The IFN Religious Committee

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