What is an Islamic place of worship?

A mosque is an Islamic place of worship that is used by Muslims. Mosques can be found on almost every street in Muslim countries and are present throughout the world. Muslims are encouraged, if not required, to attend mosques five times a day for prayer.

Mosques come in many different shapes and sizes depending on the region in which they are located. Muslims of the past and present have used local architects and artisans to create magnificent, unique mosques. There is one detail that all mosques have in common, and that is the mihrab, which is a niche in a wall that points in the direction of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This is the direction that Muslims face when praying to God, or Allah.