The Analysis of the Large-scale Functions of Mosques from the Perspective of the Quran and Traditions

Mosque is a social institution whose effective uses and benefits rest upon the classification, organization, and factual knowledge of its various functions. However, up to the present time, the functions of mosques have been investigated in respect of what is usually termed as subject matter and the priority of their functions has not received considerable attention. Deeper insight into the large-scale functions of mosques provides a criterion for listing activities in order of priority and for accepting and rejecting new activities as a result of which activities will properly be organized and the efficiency in functions of the mosques will be increased.  The large-scale functions of mosques can be defined as the ones that serve to show the main purpose or objective of various and multiple activities of the mosques. Other functions can be categorized under the “pivotal function” and the “dependent function” which are both in line with the large-scale functions. Accordingly, the question would be this, “What are the large-scale functions of a mosque from the perspectives of the Glorious Qur’an and the Traditions?”. Drawing upon a descriptive-analytic method, and basing the research on the Quranic verses and traditions, the research has addressed the problem of the recognition of various and multiple functions of the mosques, resulting in gaining access to the following three large-scale functions of mosques: “providing for a superior social milieu”, “removing negligence and fostering the remembrance of God”, and last but not least the “enlightenment and knowledge increasing”.