Expert: Le Anne Clausen - 3/5/2010

Question
Hi Le Anne,

I am a student of Chattanooga State Community College in Chattanooga, TN.  I am taking a Religions of the World class and we have been assigned a project to interview an authority figure within another religion and hopefully be able to attend a service or in this case a prayer session.  I have opted to do my project on Islamic Faith.  I want to be respectful in my pursuit to visit a mosque and even speak with someone if that is possible.  I have done some etiquette research but before I make the phone call to inquire about speaking with someone or visiting I feel getting some advice, from an expert, will be the best place to start.  Living in Tennessee, the bible belt of the south, the pool of experts in the Islamic Faith our few and far between.  I am however, visiting South Florida (where I am from originally) this week and figured there would be a better opportunity of finding a mosque to visit.
With all that being said what advice could you give someone who is looking to interview an authority figure within this faith?  In Christian churches there are priests, preachers, etc.. In a mosque is there one certain person in charge and what is the proper way to address them?  Any information you could provide will be most helpful in my pursuit to learn about the Islamic Faith and present it well in this Tennessee class.

Thanks so much for your time,

Nicole

Answer
Greetings Nicole, and thanks for your question.  Here are a few good things to know about visiting any mosque:

1.  Always remove your shoes unless specifically instructed not to do so.  You can usually leave your socks on if you're not joining in the prayer; Muslims wash hands, face, and feet before prayer, often in specially designated washing-rooms there.

2.  Generally, men and women refrain from touching each other, even shaking hands.  A respectful greeting is to place your hand over your heart,lower your eyes a bit, and nod a bit as you say 'salaam' or 'peace'.

3.  As a woman, get to know the women there; I really enjoy seeing the relaxed family atmosphere among the women and children.  Men are often a bit more formal in prayer.

4.  There's usually an 'imam' or religious leader; sometimes he is professional clergy, and other times he is a designated layperson.  Usually he has some additional training or study or experience beyond the rest of the group.  Sometimes they rotate this role.  You may just address him as 'sir' or 'Mr. so and so' unless he advises you otherwise.

Good luck to you, and I hope this helps!

peace,

Le Anne