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| The Grand Taipei Mosque next to Daan Park. |
So, yesterday with Grace (my girlfriend), I visited the Grand Taipei Mosque. I had wanted to see it for a while, but never quite managed to fit it into a trip. As well, I have long wanted to visit a mosque as a way to expand my horizons and understanding. I feel it is the kind of experience that everyone should have. In a world where people grow fearful and hateful, understanding is the key to peace.
We walked down along Daan park until we reached the mosque. Part of me wondered how I had missed it before with its dome and minarets. Racing by on a bike, though, it is easy to miss the little details, so I will forgive myself. People were milling about outside, preparing for the Friday prayer at noon. We ventured up close to look around. There was a little touch screen monitor for information on the mosque, including what was required to enter the main hall and worship chambers. Fortunately my shorts sank down to my knees, providing the required level of cover. Grace had been admonishing me for not checking the website to find out about the dress code. I chalked it up to something I knew but forgot I knew. Also, it was 30C (about 90F), so I wanted shorts.
We walked around the outside foyer. I opted to not go inside, they seemed to have some renovations going on. I was not sure how to properly do the cleansing, so aired on the side of caution and just looked from the entrance. There were pamphlets to flip through. What caught my attention were free copies of the Quaran in English. I took one because I have wanted an opportunity to read some from it.
A man came up to me as we were looking around. His English name is David (and I cannot readily pronounce his Chinese or Arabic names). He was a friendly man Taiwanese man in his eighties. When he found out that I was from Ohio he became very excited because he had studied engineering at Ohio State University. We spent some time talking. David was as passionate as he was friendly. Particularly when he talked about how sad he was about people fighting over religion. It touched my heart when his eyes began to water as he lamented how many innocent people suffered because people hated each other when they should be as brothers.
After talking with David for a little bit, Grace and I went outside to wait for the prayers. We took up a shady spot to sit along the street under some trees. There was a man selling shawarma outside. He was another nice fellow from Tibet. I bought some lunch for Grace and I. It could have used a bit more meat and less onion, but was still good. He was not the only person selling food, though I think most of the other vendors were selling more Taiwanese fare. Inside the mosque, I believe some of the food was just asking for donation.
At 1200 the call to prayer started. The adhan was not loud or intrusive as some might have you believe. We took up standing places at the entrance. People started to slowly trickle in and we were able to watch how they went about getting ready. Some chose to wear traditional hats and wraps while others stayed in street cloths. People were friendly, with many asking where I was from. I met men from Gambia and Indonesia. I could see people of African and European descent mixed in with the Chinese and middle eastern.
At 1230 the imam started a sermon in Arabic and English. He talked about how most problems came from people not fallowing the rules, both divine and mortal. He then talked about how things are best when you accept the plan that God lays out before you. Do not worry about what is happening, it is all part of something greater than you can imagine. It was like a lot of sermons I have heard at churches. It ended with the ritual prayers and bowing. It was interesting to see so many people go through the motions together.
When the prayers had ended, Grace and I took our leave. We planned to spend the rest of the day shopping (and eating). Still, I was very satisfied with what I had seen. It was a new experience and I would have the opportunity to flip through one of history's most important books when I got home.
Allahu Akbar and assalamu alaikom.
