Pronunciation: [mˈɒsks] (IPA) 
The word "mosques" is spelled with the letter "q" despite the fact that the sound it represents is closer to a "k" sound. This is because "q" is used in English to represent the Arabic letter "ق" (qaf), which is closer in sound to the English "k". The phonetic transcription of "mosques" would be /ˈmɒsks/ with the "q" sound represented as a glottal stop, which is a brief pause in the flow of air caused by closing the vocal cords.
A mosque is a place of worship and spiritual gathering for people who follow the Islamic faith. It is considered a central institution in Islam, serving as a gathering point for prayer, religious education, and community activities. Mosques are found in various countries around the world, serving as a symbol of the Muslim community.
Typically, mosques are characterized by their distinctive architectural features. The design often includes a domed roof, minarets (towers), and an open courtyard or prayer hall. The most important area within a mosque is the prayer hall, where Muslims gather to perform their obligatory daily prayers, known as Salah. This area is usually separate for males and females, with women having a designated section or gallery.
Mosques also play a vital role as centers of learning and community engagement. Many mosques offer religious classes and study circles, teaching the Quran, Hadith (Prophet Muhammad's sayings), and Islamic principles. They also provide social services, such as shelter, meals, and assistance to the needy. Moreover, mosques serve as cultural and social hubs, organizing events, festivals, and celebrations that foster a sense of unity and belonging among Muslims.
During Friday congregational prayers, known as Jumu'ah, the mosque becomes particularly significant. Muslims gather for a sermon delivered by an imam (prayer leader) and perform the Friday prayer as a collective act of worship, reinforcing community bonds.
Overall, mosques hold immense religious, educational, and social significance within the Islamic faith, serving as places of devotion, knowledge, and community connection.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "mosques" is derived from the Arabic word "masjid" (مَسْجِد), which means "place of prostration" or "place of worship". The term "masjid" itself comes from the Arabic root "sajada", meaning "to prostrate" or "to bow down in worship". It is through Islamic history and the spread of Islam that the Arabic term "masjid" became translated into various languages, taking on different forms such as "mosqs" in French, "mosques" in English, and "mezquitas" in Spanish.
