Finally! I finally made my first visit to one of the local mosques this past Friday. I didn't realize that the community had a school behind the mosque. After parking, I walked to the mosque and passed a playground with fathers watching their children playing. Inside the mosque I removed my shoes and socks and saw the room where men were preparing for prayer by washing their hands, feet, etc. A man introduced himself to me and led me into a large room with lines on the floor providing adequate space for worshipers to do full prostrations during prayer. I was invited to sit in a chair or on the floor. I chose the floor. The call to prayer started on time and after a short prayer the preacher went to a the preachers stand and spoke about the need to take religion seriously.
As I listened I looked around the room. It was about three quarters full and people were continuing to arrive. Once they found a space they went about their private prayers. Once they settled, some listened some looked about. Two men in fatigues came in with their children. A sense of sadness overwhelmed me at the sight of these men with their young boys. I thought about the hearings in Congress on Islam and was struck with the irony of these two soldiers.
After the sermon, the room suddenly was crowded and community prayers started. After a few minutes they ended. I was warmly invited back. I'm sure I'll return.
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