New York City Mosque (of Islamic Cultural Center)

It's a tiny architectural gem that I recommend you visit, if you're into the unexpected. On 96th and 2nd right off the Upper East Side, this mosque is truly the size of a neighborhood mosque in Islamic countries, but built in a paradoxical monumental palatial type, with a central dome set on a square plan, and minaret (where call to prayer is usually performed, but banned in the U.S. due to noise pollution ordinances). It is surrounded by tall, undecorated, brick apartment buildings. I get a sense of the mosque trying to fit into, and yet, rejecting it's urban surroundings. There is a prayer hall on the lower level that reminds me of La Mezquita de Córdoba. The upper level only fits 338 (or 388, please correct me) occupants. Remember to take off your shoes and place them in the shoe slots to the left of you (shoes should never touch the floor of the sacred space). The hall is a light, airy space. 120 lights hang from the dome ceiling, representing all the names of Allah (the same God of Christians and Jews). The carpet is done in a geometric pattern, echoing the patterns on the glass panels surrounding the mihrab (a niche in the qibla wall (prayer wall)). It is a modern space that retains the integrity of tradition.

I'm a big fan of exploring religious spaces, and this mosque being in the U.S. means that the restrictions are much more lax. The people there were so friendly, instantly embracing me as part of their community, even inviting me to the Friday 12:30 congregation even though I'm not Muslim (in more conservative countries, they won't allow non-Muslims to enter the structure during prayer time). The imam, the congregation leader, seems very open to answering questions, and they even have a small cozy library. Remember the dress code (though clothing is provided if you don't have any; I just prefer to be coordinated) of covering your hair and body shape. It is a holy space, so please respect more conservative Muslim beliefs and traditions when you're there. For men, it would be better not to look women straight in the eye, keep distance from them, and not shake their hands, but still be friendly (and the same for women). Maybe I've been reading too much literature on Islamic practice.