Minbar

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A minbar (Arabic: منبر, also spelt mimbar) is a pulpit in the mosque where the Imam (leader of prayer) stands to deliver sermons (khutbah خطبه ). The minbar is usually shaped like a small tower with a pointed roof and stairs leading up to it. It is often richly ornamented, though in its simplest form the minbar is just a small platform with only a few steps. The minbar is located to the right of the mihrab, the niche that indicates the direction of prayer (i.e. towards Mecca).

In some mosques there is a platform (müezzin mahfili in Turkish) opposite the minbar. That is the place of the assistant of the Imam, the muezzin, stands during prayer. The muezzin recites the answer to the prayer of the Imam. This feature is the Islamic equivalent of the pulpit found in Christian churches.

The Imam stands on the minbar to give his Friday sermons (khutbahs) as well as those he gives on the two Eids. Being raised above the ground allows the Imam to see all the worshippers in case of a large crowd. And he should stand on the top step of the minbar following the example of Muhammad. The minbar often represents the minarets.

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Last updated on Sunday March 09, 2008 at 04:11:50 PDT (GMT -0700)
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