I came to the US six years ago. I loved the fact that I was close to a mosque and could offer prayers in congregation. As I continued to frequent masajids and "Islamic centers", I began to notice the subtle differences between masjids in India and America. Although the primary goal of worshiping Allah was accomplished in bo
th places, it appeared that the secondary goal of bridging the community was more easily achieved in the west. This was my first impression and as we go further into the topic, you may well be saying "all that glitters is not gold"...
th places, it appeared that the secondary goal of bridging the community was more easily achieved in the west. This was my first impression and as we go further into the topic, you may well be saying "all that glitters is not gold"...Right off the bat without further due, researh proves that humans often associate feelings to a particular places that lead to either a "+ve" or good feeling or the opposite- bad feeling. So I asked myself what feelings to we associate our selfs with while visiting the house of Allah in both countries.
In India, I always felt the desire to visit masajids was driven by Tradition or respect for elders who advised the youth to pray in jamah. Although I am proud to say they are many people of "ikhlas" who solely visit to seek Allah's pleasure. We never had any formal gathering that involved communication or two way dialogue between the masses and the management. It was often limited to a one way talk - straight from a pulpit during Jumah. .Hence the predominate if not comprehensive set of feelings associated with the house of Allah were Tradition & Respect
In the US, the desire to visit masjids for most people was driven by the need to feel a sense of belonging, this was especially true among the immigrants. Again, I proudly recognize the people of "Ikhlas" who would pray in masjids anywhere on this planet! simply to seek Allah's pleasure.
The interesting aspect in the west is the need to socialize after prayers, the desire to be a part of , "halakas", Islamic education for children, Eid parties!, I know it sounds all rosy and fun...but hold on as we begin the unveiling.
Hence the predominate if not comprehensive set of feelings associated with the house of Allah were Sense of Belogning & Recreation.
In my sole opinion and (I am not propagating it to be the ultimatum) the best masjids are the ones where Allah's right (Tawheed) is established and where love and brotherhood prevail over egos and power struggles. It could be a shed or a 4 storey Islamic center- don't care.
