THE Muslim world today seems to be more focussed on improving the architectural aesthetics of mosques and beautifying their interiors and exteriors than on efforts to revitalise their essential functions, such as imparting knowledge and transmitting cultural and religious values to younger generations. While there is no harm in making the mosques more pleasant to the eyes, there is a need to make them more pleasant to the soul.

Congregational prayers remain a central activity in mosques. However, very few mosques serve as centres for education. Friday sermons often lack relevance to current issues and fail to address the challenges facing the Muslim world.

To address all of these shortcomings, preachers and prayer-leaders need to deepen their understanding of Islamic teachings as well as to sharpen their world views to effectively address people from all kinds of backgrounds and having different approaches to life. The topics of Friday sermons, for instance, may be discussed with the community beforehand and tailored to meet specific needs.

Besides, mosques may hold weekly seminars, discussions and question-and-answer sessions to engage, educate and unite the community. Additionally, establishment of mosques where all schools of thought are welcomed can eradicate extremism and sectarianism in our society.

Women’s section should be established in every mosque so that they may offer congregational prayers as well as attend socio-religious gatherings. In essence, parents should be encouraged to bring their children to mosques so that they may maintain this habit when they grow up.

Sonia Azhar Siddiqui
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2024