Guide to Islam: 40+ Most Beautiful Photos of Mosques From Around the World

Every religion in the world says that prayers can be done anywhere at any time. It can be said inside your house, outside it, or wherever you feel like saying it.
However, just like every other religion, the Muslims have their own place of worship which is called the Islam Mosque or simply the Mosque.

The First Mosque
The courtyard of the Islamic Prophet, Muhammad, was the first Muslim Mosque in AD 622 which also became the design of many mosques worldwide and through time.
It was located in Medina, Saudi Arabia wherein its qibla wall, or the wall that faces Mecca, was the area where the prayers were recited. For this, it had a roof covering. Meanwhile, the other three walls were provided shallow arcades.
Though the Mosque is basically a place of worship, it is also a social and political center for many Islamic societies.

The Basic Elements of a Mosque
Though the first Muslim Mosque became the design of many Mosques through time, there are certain variations with those that can be found today depending on the culture and heritage of the people in every Muslim community.
However, the most basic elements that can be found in these Islam Mosques include the

Minaret, which is a tower rising from the Mosque that may vary in style, number, and height
Prayer Hall, which is a bare central area for prayer where Muslims kneel, sit or bow in worship
Prayer Rugs, which ensure that the place is clean for people to worship Allah
Mihrab, an indentation of the Mosque that indicates the direction of the qibla
Minbar, a platform where speeches and sermons are delivered;
Dome, which is commonly found in Mosques in the Middle East; and the
Shoe Rack, where the shoes of the Muslims entering the Mosque are placed.