Mosque

One of the most important Islamic institutions is the mosque. The first mosque mentioned in the Qu'ran was located in Muhammad's house in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It faced Mecca and had a roof above the area where the prayers were recited. The general design of hte mosque has remained relatively similar ever since.
Today mosques serve as the main place of worship for Muslims and are also an important place for people to gather for social and political events. Many mosques serve as schools and assembly halls, and others are connected to other cheif institutions such as hospitals and libraries.

Posted by Caitlin Mitchell

http://library.thinkquest.org/28505/islam/mosque.htm