Also, I have heard that I would be expected to wear a skirt and head-scarf, remove my shoes, and wash before entering the area where women worship. But then what would happen?
hayaa_bi_taqwa
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This is typically what the Muslims themselves do, and although it's highly respectful, it isn't expected of you to do the exact same. I would suggest modest clothing, like a long-sleeved shirt that isn't tight and either slacks or an ankle-length skirt. Shoes must be removed to keep impurities out of the place where we worship. If you know how to make wuduu (the washing) then it's really up to you, but like I said, not expected for a newbie, hehe.
During the services, as people enter, you will find them making the prayer to greet the mosque. Not as a group, but each person by him/herself. You'll hear the call to prayer, and then the imam will give his lecture. If you're in the states, you'll probably hear an Arabic speech followed by an English translation. After he has finished, he will recite a supplication (small prayer) and the Muslims will follow him. Afterwards the prayer will begin. It's really neat to watch and hear the imam during the prayer, it'll really touch your heart! After that there will be some announcements such as a charity drive will be held on such and such day, so and so is offering such and such types of services, things of that nature, then everyone goes home.
Good luck! Hope you enjoy and benefit from it!
wolfkarew
If you are not Muslim then you can't pray with the Muslims.
You would be required to wear the hijab and a long sleeve shirt and a skirt or long sleeve dress that covers your entire figure. You wouldn't see the men at all as they would be in a different area from the women if the Mosque even haves seperate areas. You would simply ask a sister(muslim woman) to show you how to do Wudu. The Imam would do the call to prayer and lead the prayer. You could read the Qur'an(there should be an english translation in the Mosque) that you can read while the Muslim women pray. Muslim women are to be silent when they pray because their voice is part of their awrah(what is to be concealed). So you can read the Qur'an silently. Don't move or bother the Muslimah when they pray. After prayers if it is Jummah then the Imam will have a discussion with the Muslims about something from the community or the Qur'an or something else for like an hour and then everyone will go home.
bttrfly*
you can expect people to be sitting and listening to the 'sermon' and then praying... there's nothing weird or special involved! You don't HAVE to wear a skirt. Whoever told you that was probably just trying to let you know that you dress appropriately. A skirt is not the only appropriate thing. The whole point is to just dress appropriately (no cleavage popping out, not mini skirts, and no tight tight tight clothing). You don't necessarily have to wear a scarf, but you'd properly blend in more if you did. No one will say anything to you though if you don't. And you don't have to wash (well... nothing extra than what you normally do lol). Just walk in sit down and listen to the speaker. Nothing special is expected of you. Your a visitor and I'm sure everyone there will be kind & glad to show you around and explain whatever you want to know..... GUARANTEED!
Authentic Believer (SOA)
yeah u have to remove ur shoes, i dont know about the skirt, but they would suggest u at least have a scarf on ur head, and wear clothes that aren't too skimpy.
i dont think u have to wash up, because ur not Muslim, so no need unless u want to convert.
u would most likely hear the Athan, call to prayer, and then watch them perform the prayer...if u r there on a friday, the imam will giv a sermon, and then pray.
if u r there on a funeral, then every one will line up behind the Imam and the corpse, and perform a prayer with no bowing or prostration, cause we connot prostrate to human.
evanlah
~you do not have to do anything except remove your shoes. if you want to go and just watch our service, that is sooooo ok. you are welcome.
.....the women will line up in the back, side to side, and when we pray, there are a few different positions that we have. it depends on what time you go, as to how many times the women (and men) will do prostrations. we pray five times a day. try to go to the ones in the evening or night. or...if you can, go to the afternoon one on friday, when we have a khutbah (sermon).
you are most welcome to view and ask questions, any time.