Visiting Mosques

Islamic mosques are unbelievably beautiful, and if you ever have an opportunity to visit one during your medical tourism travels, we recommend that you do so.  The tiles, floors, chandeliers, mosaics, and vaulted ceilings easily rival the most intricate Christian churches of the West or Buddhist temples of the Far East. 

As a female traveler, however, you’ll often be subjected to various rules  whenever you visit a mosque.  Dress codes vary, and you’ll have to research the background of whatever mosque you plan to visit.   

What to Wear

The more you cover up the better.  You should remove your shoes, but wears socks.  Cover up your ankles, shoulders, and arms.  If most of the other women in the mosque have their head or face covered, you should follow suit.  Occasionally, the mosque will provide extra robes and garments for visitors, but you should also bring along your own clothing just in case. 

When to Visit

Although prayer time is obviously the most interesting time for non-Muslims to visit a mosque, out of respect, you should avoid calls to prayer.  Instead, schedule your visits at times when the traffic is low and adherents are not engaged in any type of religious ceremonies. 

Muslim women are often discouraged from visiting mosques during their menstrual cycles.  This rule doesn’t always apply to non-Muslim women, but you should be prepared all the same. 

Stick with the Women

Because some mosques have strict rules regarding separation of the sexes, make sure that you always stay close to other women.  Don’t enter rooms where men are praying, don’t visit the mosque when only men are there, and don’t interact with men unless other women in the vicinity have already done so. 

Avoid Taking Pictures

Because the insides of mosques can be incredibly beautiful, you might be tempted to take a few photos for your album back home.  But unless others are doing the same, you should avoid this practice entirely.  If you do decide to take pictures (because others are as well), be sure to remove the flash. 

Avoid Pointing Your Feet at the Qibla

The Qibla (also referred to as Qiblah, Kibla or Kiblah) is a recess in the wall of each Mosque that indicates the direction in which all Muslims should face when they pray.  You should never point towards the Qibla with your feet.  Doing so is considered deeply offensive and disrespectful.

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