Prayer Services at the Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids

The Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids (ICCR) is a very welcoming community. Visitors are invited anytime to watch and listen to prayer room activities (lectures, the 5 daily prayers) from an observatory room. I chose, however, to participate in prayers as an Episcopalian visitor. And now I have made Friday jummah a part of my weekly schedule.

As one would expect in any mosque or Islamic center, men and women occupy different parts of the prayer room: men in the front and women in the back. This was the second lesson I learned, since on my first visit I didn’t know any better and sat in the men’s half. A lovely woman came to me and gently led me to the women’s side, with only kindness and understanding in her heart. There was no judgment for having made the mistake.

The first lesson I learned was from the ICCR website, in that a modest Muslim woman participates in prayer with only her face and hands showing. Among the women, however, there is actually a wide diversity of dress when it comes to head scarves and clothing, ranging from black to pastels with shimmering light. Everyone, women and men alike, removes their shoes.

One thing I particularly enjoy about sitting with the women is that children of all ages, from babies to toddlers to youngsters, are cared for by the Sisters during jummah. It is a great joy for me to see children worshiping Allah in their own, innocent way.

Many members arrive at 1 p.m. on Fridays to prepare themselves for prayers. Brother Mohamed Soliman told me this quiet time was good to prepare oneself for prayers.  I have found using my prayer beads (which are also common among Muslims) is helpful for me.

The call to worship begins at 1:15 p.m. It is recited in Arabic, a beautiful language. Then comes the lecture (or sermon), which is based on teachings of the Quran, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or other beloved prophets e.g. Moses, Abraham, Jesus. Quotes are first delivered in Arabic then translated to English.

Community prayers follow the lecture. This is a very intimate part of the jummah, for within the darkened room, the people stand shoulder-to-shoulder to pray. Yes, shoulder-to-shoulder. I was corrected on that once. The Sister standing next to me motioned to come closer to her so that our shoulders did indeed touch.

And after each recitation of the Fatiha (which precedes recited verses from the Quran), everyone says Amen (Ahmeen) on the same pitch. It is a true testament to the unity of the assembled that there is no searching for the common pitch. Everyone has that pitch from the beginning. I am even learning what the pitch is, for sometimes during the week I hear the pitch. If I would get out my pitch pipe I could tell you what the note is. You’ll just have to come and experience it for yourself.

My arthritic knees do not allow me to make the reverent bow to the floor. But this bothers no one. I simply bow my head, either while sitting or standing. I am beginning to feel more comfortable standing and bowing my head at the appropriate times, as other Sisters and Brothers do the same.

The Friday service ends at 2 p.m. and the Brothers greet each other, and the Sisters greet each other. I have made several friends among the Sisters. They know I am a visitor only, with no intent to convert, and yet they love me and shower me with hugs and holy kisses. The fellowship continues all the way to the car, with people chatting in the atrium, in the hallways, at the front entrance to the center.

Deep reverence for Allah and valuing one another, gentleness, kindness. These are the words that best describe my experiences at the ICCR.