In preparation for World Religion Week, where 9A will be learning about Islam, 9A went on a visit to Chorley Mosque to gain knowledge of the Muslim faith. We were very lucky because Mr Maher, one of our governors, came with us too.
 

When we arrived at the Mosque, Mubeen, the Imam (religious leader), greeted us and showed us where to leave our shoes. He taught us the Arabic word for Mosque, which is Masjid, and explained what he does in his role of the Imam. He then showed us how he washes his face, hands, arms and feet before prayers, which are five times each day. 
 

He took us upstairs to the classroom where Muslim children attend lessons for 2 to 3 hours every day, after school.  We sat where the children sit on the floor and learn the Arabic alphabet so they can read the Quran, the holy book of Islam. Mubeen taught us how to say the first 5 letters of the Arabic alphabet. We were very interested when Mubeen told us that some Muslim children choose to memorise the whole of the Quran after they have finished reading it, which can take several years. We went into the upstairs prayer hall as well as the main prayer hall downstairs. We looked at the pulpit where the Imam stands to deliver the sermons. Mubeen demonstrated the call to prayer while we all sat quietly, showing respect. 
 

Mubeen gave us all some crisps and chocolate at the end of our visit. He said we had been excellent students and invited us to come back if we wanted to learn more about the Muslim faith. Mrs Mahood, Ms Carter, Miss Howden and Mr Mayer were all very impressed by the brilliant behaviour demonstrated by the students in 9A, they were all fantastic ambassadors for Astley Park School, demonstrating respect which is one of our school values. 

9A visit to the Mosque