the Holy Prophet even allowed certain Abyssinians to give a display with shield and lance in the mosque (Bu. 8:69). Ḥassān ibn Tḥābit used to recite in the mosque his verses in defence of the Holy Prophet against the abuse of his enemies (Bu. 8:68). Juridical affairs were also settled in the mosque (Bu. 8:44; 93:18), and it was used in a number of other ways. For example, a tent was set up for Sa‘d ibn Mu‘ādh in the yard of the mosque when he received fatal wounds in the battle of the Ditch (Bu. 8:77), and it was in this tent that he died. A freed handmaid had also a tent in the mosque where she resided (Bu. 8:57). The mosque was thus not only the spiritual centre of the Muslims but also their political, educational and social centre. It was, indeed, their national centre in the truest and most comprehensive sense of the word.

Respect for mosques

The fact, however, that the mosque may be used for objects other than the saying of prayer, does not in any way detract from its sacred character. It is primarily a place for Divine worship and must be treated as such. Nor are any proceedings allowed in the mosque, except such as related to the welfare of the Muslim community or have a national importance. The carrying on of any business or trade in the mosque is expressly forbidden (AD. 2:216). Due respect must be shown to the house of God; thus even the raising of loud voices is denounced (Bu. 8:83), and spitting is expressly prohibited (Bu. 8:37). Saying prayers, with the shoes on, is permitted (Bu. 8:24), but the shoes must be clean and not dirty. The practice has, however, grown of removing the shoes at the door of the mosque as a mark of respect to the mosque and to ensure cleanliness. Keeping the mosque clean and neat is an act of great merit. (Bu. 8:72).

Mosques should face the Kabah

The Ka‘bah, or the Sacred Mosque of Makkah, is, according to the Holy Qur’ān, the first house for the worship of God that was ever built on this earth: “Certainly the first house appointed for men is the one at Bakkah,11 blessed, and a guidance for nations” (3:96). An account of its building by Abraham and Ishmael is given in the Holy Qur’ān in