Orange mosque Q&A

Orange's Muslim community is inviting residents to an open day at its mosque and members are happy to answers any questions regarding their faith.

Here's some answers to a few basic questions you might want to know ahead of the open day on October 29.

1. Should visiting women make any special changes to their dress to enter the mosque, for example should they cover their hair or wear long sleeves?

Visiting women do not need to make any special changes to their dress to enter the mosque.

But the Orange mosque is like any other place of worship and it is expected people dress respectfully.

2.Will I have to take my shoes off when I visit the mosque?

Muslims sit, pray, kneel and prostrate on the floor at the mosque so it is appropriate visitors remove their shoes while inside the building.

3. Can I shake the hand of a Muslim who is of the opposite gender?

Yes, you can offer to shake the hand of a Muslim of the opposite gender.

But, depending on the cultural background and interpretation of the teachings of Islam, most Muslims prefer not to shake hands with an opposite sex whom they are not closely related.

4. What’s the go with the five clocks on the wall?

The five clocks on the wall show daily prayer times. The one in the centre is functional, and the rest are stationary.

Prayer times change throughout a calendar year due to variations in the rising and setting of the sun. The five daily prayer times are adjusted accordingly.

5..Will it be OK if I stand up the back and watch during the 1.30 prayers? Can I take photos?

Yes, you can watch and take photos or you can join in prayers if you'd like.

Click this link to read more about the open day.