Jamaat Ibad Ar-Rahman was established to serve the Durham community, the Muslim and the Non-Muslims. The JIAR Da’wah and Outreach Committee is dedicated to educate our local community about Islam through educational events and service. The committee also assists in easing the transition into Islam in an open, honest and welcoming manner.
You can reach out to outreach committee on: outreach@ibadarrahman.org
Shahada Certificate: We understand there may arise a need where you are required to present the shahada certificate. We would gladly issue a shahada certificate if the shahada was taken at Jamaat Ibad Ar-Rahman. To request a certificate, please contact the Imam: imam@ibadarrahman.org
Visiting a Mosque:
We are glad that you have decided to visit our mosque which is a place of worship for all Muslims. We welcome all who would like to visit and observe the daily prayers and participate in the daily activities. If you have never visited a Mosque before, please consider reading these most frequently asked questions about the etiquette of visiting a mosque. If you need any more clarification, please contact us at outreach@ibadarrahman.org.
What should I wear?
It is most appropriate to wear modest, loose-fitting clothes. For men, it is better to wear long pants, and for women to wear pants or full-length skirts or dresses, with long sleeves. Muslim women typically wear a headscarf as well.
Why do we take our shoes off?
It is appropriate to remove one’s shoes before entering the prayer area at a mosque, so
that the floors and carpets aren’t covered with dirt. If you do not want to take your shoes
off, you can observe through the glass doors as well.
What are the foot sinks in the bathroom for?
Muslims are supposed to be in a state of physical purification before making the prayer, which includes washing the feet.
A few more guidelines
Cell phones
A ringing cell phone is a distraction to any service at the mosque–please silence or power off phones when entering the building.
Not standing /walking in front of someone who is praying
If you are walking through the prayer area and come across someone who is praying, please walk behind, instead of in front of him.
Shaking hands
Please be aware that many Muslims do not shake hands with anyone of the opposite gender. That is, men do not shake hands with women, and women do not shake hands with men. Unless he/she extends his/her hand first, it is better to not extend yours.
Friday Prayer Service
Friday is the day of congregational prayers for Muslims–so a short sermon followed by a short prayer at the mosque in congregation is substituted for the regular noon-time prayer. The service begins with the call to prayer, followed by a lecture (rather, two short lectures with a brief pause in the middle). After the lecture (called a khutbah), another call to prayer is made and the congregation stands to follow the imam in the prayer.