Islamic Observation

             The mosque I went to was called the ISIA. ISIA stands for Islamic Shia Ithna-asheri Association. There are many different sects of Muslims but this particular sect believes in 12 or Ithna-asheri (meaning 12 in Arabic) Imams (or leaders) after the Last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). ISIA is located at 3856 Richmond road in Ottawa. Since it is the month of Muharram one of the holiest months for Shiite Muslims, I attended a Majlis or gathering on Feb. 3 2005. A majlis is held (usually in Muharram) in remembrance of the brutal martyrdom of the third Imam. The third Imam Hussein (A.S) was also the grandson of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
             The ISIA building is very plain. Since I went at night I could see that that the building was white with dark blue or black (I could not make out in the dark) thick stripes. The exterior is just a simple rectangle. There are no religious designs/symbols outside. There is a small door with a couple of steps to climb before entering. Next to the door is the sign that says ISIA, the only way for people to know it's a religious institution. The interior of the building is much better. Decorated with many eastern style rugs and Arabic writings on the wall. When I asked what the writings on the wall said, the president of the association told me that they were paying homage to the Imams. There are only a few chairs kept aside for older people or people who have trouble sitting on the floor. All events that take place in this mosque people are required to sit on the ground, while a speaker sits above on a high and decorated seat while he talks of Islam. The seat the speaker sits on is called a MIMBAR. The president of the association told me that Islam loves worship when it is done collectively (in groups). This is why they have many majlis on Muharram, in order to give all the Shiites a chance to get together and remember Karbala. The men and women have separate seating areas. Men sit up stairs while women ...

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