With a close friend (who was born into an actively practicing family), I took a trip to a Mosque in Tallahassee at 1020 West Pensacola St. We went to the noon service, which was the second prayer of the day. The preacher did not speak while I was there, and I was told by Radee (my company) that that was similar to the Mosque's he's been to in Philly and New Jersey. The Iman (preacher) speaks but not to the extent that typical pastors might in other religions such as Christianity. Most of his thoughts come out after prayer, in a discussion matter. From what I understand most Muslim houses of worship look very similar to any other churches, aside from the crescent and star that is the symbol for the Muslim faith. .
Before one enters you must be dress accordingly, women must have their hair and skin covered. A man's attire is less strict, he must cover 75% of his body, but most importantly he must dress humbly. Upon entering the Mosque your shoes must be taken off to prevent any unwanted demons from entering (this is also true for when you enter a Muslim's house). Next "wodoo" is made, this is where one must wash there hands, arms, hair, head (specifically the mouth and ears) and feet. This act of washing is not meant to be a full cleaning but a short process that signifies and demonstrates the purification of the body and spirit before you humble yourself in front of Allah. After the purification it is time for the prayer.
On the designated carpet the worshipers stand ready to begin the prayer. The room is segregated by sex, the men are in the front and the women are in the back. The first position of the prayer is standing up with your head bowed and your thumbs behind your ears and your feet at a 45o angle outward. At a specified part in the prayer you then crouch down and sit on your heels with the upper body in the same position. At another specified part you then lean down with your head to the ground.
