Mulsims or Palestinians around?

Prawn,

I live in India, and I know a lot of Muslim folks here. I can possibley get that info for you if you aren't specifically looking for information pertaining to Palestine.

i live in a moslem country right now. women don't usually go to prayer every time (islam followers pray five time a day). they can pray anywhere as long as they face Mecca. It is why they carry prayer rugs with them, to place them upon any surface and kneel for prayer.

mosques are usually for men. women don't enter these at the same time men are there - unless there is a separate room for women prayers. generally, women don't go even on fridays, but may pray at home or another women's prayer area somewhere. remember that not long ago, moslem women were not taught or officially allowed to read the Koran.

public places usually have 'prayer rooms' so everyone doesn't have to go to mosque every time. prayer rooms are separate for men and women.

mosques are carpeted in the prayer area, so people don't carry their prayer rugs into the mosque.

Hi Prawn,
I am a Muslim woman married to a Palestinian. I have also lived in Jordan, where more than 50% of the population is Palestinian.

It is correct that Muslim women don't usually pray in the mosque every day, not because they are prohibited from doing so, but because Islam does not require it. Men, on the other hand, are required to pray all five prayers in the mosque.

Most mosques in Jordan/Palestine have separate sections for women, either a separate room or a second floor just for women.

The only reason there would not be a separate area is if the mosque was too small.

In religious families, it is common for women to attend the mosque a couple of times per week for a women-only study circle. If the time for prayer comes while they are studying, they will pray.

In the past, it was not so common for women to attend Friday prayers. Now it is becoming more popular, especially in the mosques that have adequate space for women.

And lots of women do attend the mosque for Eid prayers.

In Palestine, large numbers of women pray at the Dome of the Rock, which is a holy site. This would include Palestinian women as well as Muslims visiting from around the world.

Although I have never been to Gaza, I would imagine that some women would feel unsafe going to Friday prayers since there is so much trouble there now.

Regarding rugs, it depends on how well the mosque is maintained. If the carpeting is nice and clean, then you would just pray on the mosque carpet. But if it is an older mosque without carpeting, you might bring your own rug. It is a matter of preference.

When the imam is giving a talk, you would just sit on the floor.

remember that not long ago, moslem women were not taught or officially allowed to read the Koran.

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I would like to point out that this may have happened in certain cultures, but that it is not a part of the Islamic faith. Islam places great emphasis on education for men and women, and women in Jordan and Palestine are, on the whole, well educated.

I live in India, and I know a lot of Muslim folks here. I can possibley get that info for you if you aren't specifically looking for information pertaining to Palestine.

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My understanding is that women are often prevented from attending the mosque in India. Again, this is not from Islam, but a cultural practice. Islam does not prevent women from praying in the mosque.

If you have any questions about Islam or life in Palestine, I would be happy to help out.

Hi Prawn, and thanks for your response. Your story sounds like it will be interesting. Yes, it is quite likely someone would bring a prayer rug to a mosque with a tiled floor. I once attended a mosque with a cement floor, and the ladies all had their own rugs.