Was this a sin?..... Visit to a mosque.

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patmickd01

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Hello everyone!

A couple days ago I arranged to visit the local Islamic center and mosque in my neighborhood. I have several friends who are Muslim and had been wanting to visit simply to observe. I showed up before afternoon prayers and was greeted by my tour guide. He was a young man about my age who attended the same college as I. I made it clear that I was a Catholic who was simply interested in learning first hand about Islamlic tradition and theology (NOTE: only learning and observing. I made it clear that was not interested in converting).

Upon entering the mosque, in addition to removing my shoes, my guide asked that I perform the ceremonial washing known as the “wadu” before entering. I simply went through the motions without making the profession of faith to “Allah” (which my guide said I didn’t have to do anyway since I wasn’t a Muslim).

We entered the mosque and I observed (but did not participate in) the afternoon prayers. Afterwards, we chatted inside the mosque for about an hour about Islamis culture and beliefs.

My question is - did I cross a line by partaking in the ceremonial “wadu?” I know that as Catholics we are permitted to visit other places of worship out of respect, but should not partake in their ceremonies. While I was admittedly hesitant at first, I was under the impression that the “wadu” was a sign of respect (just as removing your shoes is).

Do I need to confess this the next time I go to confession? Did I open myself up to anything spiritual or violate the first commandment?

Would appreciate your insight.
 
As you are a catholic the best person to doscuss this with would surely be your priest in confession.

I cant imagine you did anything wrong though - simply taking your shoes off and washing - is just that - taking your shoes off and washing - unless you attach the religous significance to it, which you didnt.

But my advice, as it is obviously troubling you a lot,is talk to your priest. He’ll put you right.
 
I don’t see where you did anything wrong. Taking off shoes is done in many places, it’s just respect for custom. I don’t know about the washing part. I’ve been in several mosques, but I suppose being a woman maybe the subject didn’t come up.🤷 You didn’t assent to anything and made it clear you were just visiting and observing. I’d agree on checking with the priest if it really bothers you, but just visiting is just visiting.
 
It was just a ceremonial washing. In my opinion there is no sin committed. You did not come there to worship or to offend God, but to learn first hand how Muslim conduct themselves in worship.
 
Its interesting this question was raised in a Jewish forum about visiting a Church and the mood got extremely defensive…many of the members thought it was one of the worst sins to visit a church.
 
patmickd01 said:
Hello everyone!

A couple days ago I arranged to visit the local Islamic center and mosque in my neighborhood. I have several friends who are Muslim and had been wanting to visit simply to observe. I showed up before afternoon prayers and was greeted by my tour guide. He was a young man about my age who attended the same college as I. I made it clear that I was a Catholic who was simply interested in learning first hand about Islamlic tradition and theology (NOTE: only learning and observing. I made it clear that was not interested in converting).

Upon entering the mosque, in addition to removing my shoes, my guide asked that I perform the ceremonial washing known as the “wadu” before entering. I simply went through the motions without making the profession of faith to “Allah” (which my guide said I didn’t have to do anyway since I wasn’t a Muslim).

We entered the mosque and I observed (but did not participate in) the afternoon prayers. Afterwards, we chatted inside the mosque for about an hour about Islamis culture and beliefs.

My question is - did I cross a line by partaking in the ceremonial “wadu?” I know that as Catholics we are permitted to visit other places of worship out of respect, but should not partake in their ceremonies. While I was admittedly hesitant at first, I was under the impression that the “wadu” was a sign of respect (just as removing your shoes is).

Do I need to confess this the next time I go to confession? Did I open myself up to anything spiritual or violate the first commandment?

Would appreciate your insight.
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My opinion is that there was no sin in what you did.

If you would have prayed along with them their prayers, then, in my opinion, that would have been a sin.

Ecumenical visits are important. In the future, and perhaps you did this, I would recommend that you pray in advance a prayer of spiritual protection when visiting another Church, Mosque or Temple - any Religious place of Worship that is not a part of the Catholic Church.

When you meet people of other Faith Traditions, keep in mind that Christ loves them just as much as He loves you and He died for them and their sins when He died for you. Greet them in love and strive to reflect the Love of Christ to them and perhaps you will draw them to Christ through your love.

It wouldn’t hurt to invite those who you meet to attend Mass with you just as you attended their Services with them.
 
  • Mortal sin is a sin of grave matter
    • Mortal sin is committed with full knowledge of the sinner
    • Mortal sin is committed with deliberate consent of the sinner
Don’t think you have anything to worry about, but next time you’re in confession just let the priest know and see what he says. 👍
 
I hardly think so. While our group of Roman Catholics toured Jerusalem , we were invited to enter the Mosque and was told the story of how Moslems worship. and we also saw the place where Mohammed ascended into heaven:)🙂
Its what in our hearts, if we respect and honor our neighbor and his religion, its great. We prayed in the Mosque, they pray in ours too.:)🙂
There were three priests, Father Peter, a Monsignor and priest of the Knights of the Holy sepulcher.🙂
 
subhanallah-this made me remember the first time i visited a mosque…
how did it feel?

wasalam
 
johnXXIII said:
I hardly think so. While our group of Roman Catholics toured Jerusalem , we were invited to enter the Mosque and was told the story of how Moslems worship. and we also saw the place where Mohammed ascended into heaven:)🙂
Its what in our hearts, if we respect and honor our neighbor and his religion, its great. We prayed in the Mosque, they pray in ours too.:)🙂
There were three priests, Father Peter, a Monsignor and priest of the Knights of the Holy sepulcher.🙂
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Muhammed didn’t ascend into heaven. He was poisoned and died a drawn-out, probably painful death.
 
this is not a sin. I’ve gone with a friend to his Hindu temple, and I took off my shoes. As long as you don’t pray to any false gods, then you’re fine. If you still have concerns, talk to your priest.
 
No, you’re fine as far as I can tell. You were being respectful. Not washing would have probably been a bigger sin against customs.

This reminds me of a story, I think it was a homily, but, I don’t remember, about the priest going to the Hindu Temple in IL (there’s one going toward Darien) with another, older priest, and as they were going from god to god (praying (to our God)?, observing?) the one priest noted that the older priest was putting money in the little donation boxes next to the gods’ statues. The younger priest telling the story asked, “Why are you doing this? How could you?” “Oh, they just look like they could use it,” replied the older priest.

It may look like the priest was supporting this religion, but, he was being charitible, as we are called to do.

You went there, you observe the customs as much is necessary, I think. Not a breath more, but, the absolute least while still being respectful. I think you did that.
 
ZAKI said:
subhanallah-this made me remember the first time i visited a mosque…
how did it feel?

wasalam
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Hey Zaki!

From a Catholic to another Muslim friend, I am happy to report that the experience was extremely enjoyable! My guide was a young man about my age of 23 and he explained everything with calmness, sincerity and most importantly - charity.

While you and I don’t agree on the nature of Jesus - it is my prayer that we can work together to continue to find common ground on issues of morality and the respect and dignity of all human beings. As Pope John Paul the Great once said - “let us build a civilization of LOVE.”

Here’s to hoping that this is just the beginning as we share many more conversations with our Muslim neighbors in a spirit of love and truth!

May God Bless you, friend!

UPDATE: I did talk to my priest today and he said there was no problem with what I did. Infact, he commended my respect for our Muslim neighbors. 🙂
 
Nice to hear that you visited a mosque 🙂

I like you curiosity about Islam 😛
 
Ask your pastor to return this prayer to the Mass.:)🙂

Holy Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our safe guard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and you, Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits, who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls.:)🙂
Amen:)🙂
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus; have mercy on us:)🙂
 
patmickd01 said:
Hello everyone!

A couple days ago I arranged to visit the local Islamic center and mosque in my neighborhood. I have several friends who are Muslim and had been wanting to visit simply to observe. I showed up before afternoon prayers and was greeted by my tour guide. He was a young man about my age who attended the same college as I. I made it clear that I was a Catholic who was simply interested in learning first hand about Islamlic tradition and theology (NOTE: only learning and observing. I made it clear that was not interested in converting).

Upon entering the mosque, in addition to removing my shoes, my guide asked that I perform the ceremonial washing known as the “wadu” before entering. I simply went through the motions without making the profession of faith to “Allah” (which my guide said I didn’t have to do anyway since I wasn’t a Muslim).

We entered the mosque and I observed (but did not participate in) the afternoon prayers. Afterwards, we chatted inside the mosque for about an hour about Islamis culture and beliefs.

My question is - did I cross a line by partaking in the ceremonial “wadu?” I know that as Catholics we are permitted to visit other places of worship out of respect, but should not partake in their ceremonies. While I was admittedly hesitant at first, I was under the impression that the “wadu” was a sign of respect (just as removing your shoes is).

Do I need to confess this the next time I go to confession? Did I open myself up to anything spiritual or violate the first commandment?

Would appreciate your insight.
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I would say you visited a Mosque and were respectful. The Pope (JP II) did similar things (kissed a Koran??). I do not think you committed a sin and were probably a good witness.

If you had prayed to their God…different story. False God and not the same as the God of the Bible (numerous verses from the Koran attest to this fact).
 
**

This was the first visit of the OP to the other faith place of worship. I am sure that the person who visited the mosque is much wiser than before. It is well known that seeing is believing. What we hear cannot be as good as what we see with our eyes.

Now, I will relate a few important incidents which speak for themselves:
  1. In some year about 628 A.D. a big delegation of 60 christians came to Madinah to meet the messenger (Muhammad). They had to be accommodated. The prophet allowed them to live in the big mosque. The christians said they would need to pray according to their own customs ( i.e. ringing bells etc and singing hymns). The prophet said, they could do it in the mosque as they liked. There was no harm.
So the delegation stayed inside the mosque for few days and then went away.
  1. In year 644 A.D. (approx), the Muslims had surrounded Jerusalem. The christians thought over the matter and decided that they would open the gates of the city if the Caliph himself came to the city. They would hand over the keys to the Caliph (Umar).
The Muslim commander of forces sent the message to the Caliph in Madinah that the christians would surrender to the Caliph. The Caliph Umar sent back the order, not to advance or attack the city, but to wait for his arrival. The Caliph rode the camel (it has some story too) and went to Palestine with just one servant. There were about 15 patches on his (Caliph’s) clothes.

The Christian high leaders (Priests) welcomed the Caliph. There was an agreement written down. The Caliph asked the Church leaders what they wanted. The leaders said they would like safety of life and property and their crosses, places of worship, attached properties. They wanted that the land of the people of Jerusalem should not be taken away.

The Caliph agreed to every demand and ordered it be written. And the Caliph signed the document. The Church people could not believe it. They requested that some one else should also sign the document. Six Companions of the prophet also put their signature on the paper. I believe that document is still available in some museum in Paris.

Now I come to the actual point. The church people took the Caliph around to show him the big cathedral. The Caliph visited the Cathedral happily and saw eveything. That was afternoon. It was about the time of daily prayers for Muslims. The Caliph requested leave from the Priests so that he could go out for prayer.

The Priests said “This is also a house for prayers. You may offer your prayer inside the Cathedral.”

The Caliph did not agree. Caliph Umar said, " If I pray here inside then later time Muslims may take over (Capture) the Cathedral considering it as a mosque. It is better that I not pray inside."

So he went outside the Cathedral and offered prayers outside. That place where he offered prayers is a mosque from that day till now.

Moral: It is good to pay visits with good intentions. It promotes understanding. It promotes Love.**
 
Muhammed didn’t ascend into heaven. He was poisoned and died a drawn-out, probably painful death.
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I do not know why you had to take a stab at Islam when something so non-threatening was being discussed. In any case, your theory about Prophet Muhammad’s (Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam) death is wrong.
 
I would say no. Jesus said “You Shall Love Your Neighbour As Yourself”. Washing you feet is just respectful. Hopefully if we had the same custom Muslims would do the same thing. They are free to pray in the Vatican too. You are lucky you are a man and are treated with respect there. I went to a mosque and had to enter through a back door. I said the Lord’s Prayer while there and prayed for Muslims. It felt good. Just because you are there does not make you muslim.
 
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