Here we answer the questions that guests, teachers and neighbours ask us most often. Can’t find your question? Write to us at info@igw-ayasofya.de.
Your visit
Can I visit the mosque if I am not Muslim?
Yes, you are welcome, whether on your own, with your family or as a group. You don’t need to register. Someone is always here at prayer times. For groups and school classes we offer guided tours.
What should I wear?
Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. You take your shoes off before entering the prayer hall, so clean socks are a good idea.
Do I have to wear a headscarf as a woman?
No. Female visitors do not need a headscarf, not even in the prayer hall. We only ask for clothes that cover shoulders and knees.
Can I watch the prayer?
Yes. Please stay at the back of the room and remain quiet. After the prayer we are happy to answer your questions.
Can I take photos?
You are welcome to take photos, even during prayer. Please only photograph people with their consent.
Does a visit or a tour cost anything?
No. Visits and tours are free of charge.
Is the mosque accessible?
There is a lift in the building. If you need help, just let us know when you get in touch.
Our community
How long has the community existed?
Since 1987. From 1993 the community was based at Vogelhüttendeich 74. In 2019 it moved into the new building at Rotenhäuser Straße 104A.
Who comes to the mosque?
People from many countries and of all ages. Up to 1,000 come to Friday prayer. They speak German, Turkish, Arabic, Bosnian, Albanian, English and many other languages.
Can I join the breaking of the fast in Ramadan?
Yes. In Ramadan we invite everyone to break the fast together (iftar) every evening. Everyone is welcome, and you don’t need to register.
Is there anything for children and young people?
Yes. In the education and youth centre upstairs there are Islamic classes for children and young people, mostly at the weekend. There is also our own youth work. More under What we offer.
Faith and daily life
Why do Muslims pray five times a day?
Daily prayer is one of the five basic duties (pillars) of Islam. The five times spread it over the whole day, from morning into the night. They follow the position of the sun. Today’s times.
Why do people take their shoes off in the mosque?
During prayer the forehead, hands and knees touch the carpet. That is why nobody walks into the prayer hall in outdoor shoes.
What is Friday prayer?
It is the congregational midday prayer on Friday, with a sermon (khutbah). It is the most important congregational prayer of the week. That is why the mosque is especially full on Fridays.
What happens in Ramadan?
In the month of fasting, Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn (imsak) until sunset. In the evening they break the fast together (iftar), often in the mosque. The Islamic calendar follows the moon. So Ramadan starts about eleven days earlier every year.
What do the words I hear in the mosque mean?
We explain the most important terms, from mihrab to kandil, in our mosque glossary.
Our associations
Which associations does the community belong to?
In Hamburg our community belongs to the SCHURA – Rat der Islamischen Gemeinschaften in Hamburg e.V. (Council of Islamic Communities in Hamburg). The SCHURA is one of the partners in the agreements that the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg signed with the Islamic religious communities in 2012. We are also a member of the Bündnis der Islamischen Gemeinden in Norddeutschland e.V. (BIG), based in Hamburg. BIG is an alliance of mosque communities in northern Germany. More on big-nord.de.