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How to Visit a Mosque for the First Time as a Non-Muslim

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tips How to Visit a Mosque for the First Time as a Non-Muslim etiquette from a practicing muslim

A gentle guide with tips from a Muslim to teach you how to visit a mosque for the first time as a non-Muslim: make the most out of a peaceful place of worship!

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Just a few days ago, I went on a little day trip to Paris; since I’m currently back home in the medieval Troyes, my hometown, Paris is just about an hour and a half away.

One of my favorite things to do in Paris is to pray at the Great Mosque, which is not only close to the Sorbonne Nouvelle, where I studied for a bit years ago, but also the gorgeous Jardin des Plantes.

How to Visit a Mosque for the First Time as a Non-Muslim

tips How to Visit a Mosque for the First Time as a Non-Muslim etiquette from a practicing muslim

Mosques are, first and foremost, places where Muslims worship the Only God.

In addition, they are community centers where you can educate yourself, gather with other people sharing the same beliefs who can answer your questions and help you out, and places where you can give charity (sadaqah) – one crucial aspect of Islam.

If non-Muslims want to visit a mosque, you’ll find it offers many things.

That’s where you have a firsthand opportunity to learn about Islam, wonder about breathtaking Islamic architecture, and just feel at peace.

So, I went to Paris only a couple of days ago, and finally got the chance to snap a few shots of the gorgeous Great Mosque garden in the spring (something I’d wanted to do for quite some time!).

It was on a Friday, which is the day where worshippers gather and pray together – so many people, so beautiful!

That’s when I thought I’d share all the tips I can think of if you’re a non-Muslim and would like to experience the spirit of unity, reflection, and peace that visiting a mosque brings 🙂

I will share, if God wills it, another post solely about the Great Mosque of Paris to show you a little more of that beautiful garden and the striking mosaics and patterns both inside and outside.

How to Visit a Mosque: Plan Your Visit

tips How to Visit a Mosque for the First Time as a Non-Muslim etiquette from a practicing muslim

Many mosques are open to visitors; the one you’re seeing here is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever been in, although Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) in Istanbul had another, more ethereal and timeless vibe.

I would advise you go on the mosque’s official website to check out any special events, cultural open houses, readings, workshops and dialogues available when you visit.

Do call the administration to confirm that visitors are free to come in at your desired time; there are specific prayer schedules and it is considerate to avoid peak times 🙂

In a big mosque like that of Paris, I can assure you that you don’t want to feel like you’re disrupting worship activities, and even more so if you’re a little shy like yours truly.

Plus, in calling in advance, you allow the mosque staff to arrange for a guide and provide additional information about the visit, so in the end, you’ll have a much more enriching experience.

I remember the first time I ever went to the Great Mosque of Paris, when I was still a student nearby: I can still remember how grand and hypnotic it felt, and I hope for you to have the same experience – an even better one, if God wills it!

Read: The Best Things to Do in Montmartre, Paris

How to Visit a Mosque: How to Dress

tips How to Visit a Mosque for the First Time as a Non-Muslim etiquette from a practicing muslim

One of the most fundamental principles in Islam, both for men and women, is modesty – this applies to every area of life, from clothing to behavior (more about etiquette in a minute).

If you’re a man, avoid shorts and opt for long pants and a shirt with sleeves to feel mentally comfortable amongst the believers.

Same if you’re a woman; add a headscarf or a shawl which is not only to avoid the gaze (although Muslims, men and women, are directed to lower their gaze to avoid lust :)) but also as a sign of respect for our Lord.

Just put on something loose-fitting whatever gender you are to align with believers and maintain a respectful environment.

What ensues is that you will be more comfortable interacting with the Muslim community, and allow yourself to be perceived for your sensitivity, interest and respect rather than for your body, so legit a win all around.

If you’re uncertain about the dress code, visitors can also contact the mosque for guidance or borrow coverings provided at the entrance, although a non-transparent headscarf will definitely do.

Plus, you’ll have a good laugh the first time you wear that scarf (called a hijab) – I remember the first time I wore one and it was all wonky, I was eye-rolling at myself, like “Bruv.” lol!

Read: The Best Free Things to Do in Paris

How to Visit a Mosque: Understand the Space so Everyone Feels at Ease

tips How to Visit a Mosque for the First Time as a Non-Muslim etiquette from a practicing muslim

There are several parts to a mosque, no matter how big or small it is, and then some bigger ones also have gardens like the Great Mosque of Paris.

The layout of a mosque is designed to facilitate worship – as such, women and men most often than not pray separately, like in the Great Mosque of Paris.

There are exceptions in this mosque; I remember praying on a Friday there years ago, during the summer I think it was, and we prayed all around the garden, outside – one of the best moments of my life.

In the case where men and women pray together, women pray behind men; I have not made research why, but my reasoning leads me to think that it’s so men are not distracted during worship.

As for the layout, you will find in a mosque:

  • either a huge prayer hall or two smaller ones that are separate for men and women to allow for focused worship
  • two separate ablution areas where Muslims perform Wudu (ritual washing that already feels like you’re entering prayer time, and that feels so amazing!)
  • other key features like the Mihrab, which indicates the direction of Mecca and the Minbar, where the imam delivers sermons
  • and maybe a garden in specific mosques – check images of people who have already visited to see if there’s this little bonus to relax and reflect in the sunlight!

Now, on the day I went to pray at the Great Mosque of Paris, before taking the bus back home from Bercy Bus Station, I looked for a mosque nearby to pray ‘Asr, the third prayer of the day.

I found one, called Nour Association, which is the tiniest and cutest – more what you’d call a prayer room in the UK than an actual mosque, where there is no space for a Minbar.

So it does depend on the size of the mosque, and I definitely encourage you to observe all these elements you might not know, learn what they’re about, and appreciate the intricate designs embedded in the architecture 🙂

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How to Visit a Mosque: Etiquette and Behavior

tips How to Visit a Mosque for the First Time as a Non-Muslim etiquette from a practicing muslim

When visiting any place of worship, respectful behavior is crucial. Upon arrival, in the praying halls, visitors should mimic the behavior of Muslims by removing their shoes.

It’s a sign of cleanliness and respect – plus, this ensures you won’t be stepping with outside footwear where we will bow down to pray 🙂

Inside the mosque, maintain the quietest demeanor possible as it allows worshippers to focus on our prayers; there are days we have more trouble to focus, and it really will help us out.

When it comes to photos and videos, as we live in an era where recording our every move is the rage, do ask for permission before taking them inside a praying hall.

I personally wouldn’t, and didn’t take pictures inside a praying hall when I was not practicing; it feels a little strange in places like the Great Mosque of Paris.

Still, it’s a valid point to ask/confirm in mosques like Hagia Sophia, since it’s one big praying space at the very end of the mosque (if my memory serves me right).

By following these practicing, you will help honor the sanctity of the space, and respect worshippers’ privacy during their prayer (salah), which is our moment to directly connect with our Creator, and hence crucial to our life.

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How to Visit a Mosque: Interactions, Genders and Learning Opportunities

tips How to Visit a Mosque for the First Time as a Non-Muslim etiquette from a practicing muslim

As I said earlier, gender-separated prayer areas are a common practice in many mosques, and help us focused for worship to the max.

Do seek guidance if you’re unsure where to go, do ask the mosque staff, and avoid, as much as possible, interactions with the opposite gender.

If you have to, avoid physical contact at all costs, even handshakes.

I personally do not talk or look at another man other than the staff when inside a mosque, and that is something that is translating into my everyday life and makes me feel more at peace with myself.

You can definitely still interact when it comes to community events; lectures and workshops take place depending on the mosque you’re visiting.

It’s an amazing way to learn a new perspective on life, its sense, and what happens when we leave this Earth.

Attending events like Quran recitations, community iftars (breaking the fast) during Ramadan, charity drives… all help in fostering interfaith understanding.

Plus, you will be able to understand why the mosque is so important in the community, witness Islamic practices firsthand, make your own opinion of what you see, and in the end, maybe even spark an interest for this Faith.

Read: The Best Oxfam Charity Shops in London

How to Visit a Mosque for the First Time as a Non-Muslim

tips How to Visit a Mosque for the First Time as a Non-Muslim etiquette from a practicing muslim

I cannot emphasize enough the feeling you have when visiting a mosque – when you leave, take some time to walk in a garden nearby.

Like the Jardin des Plantes just a few seconds away from the Great Mosque; this is a place where you will be able to witness gorgeous flowers, bushes, trees, ponds, birds, and more of God’s wonderful creation.

There, you can reflect and consider what you learned about the mosque, its history, architecture, Islam itself, and how you feel after the visit.

Maybe afterwards, you will want to participate in future events, or explore further learning opportunities to deepen the relationship and reinforce the values of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Thank you so much for taking the time to explore this path of harmony, connection and beauty – I hope that by visiting, if God wills it, you will feel regenerated and at peace.

Until next time!

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