Most people who visit a mosque for the first time say the same thing afterwards: "I didn't know what to expect — and it was nothing like I imagined."
That's a good sign. It means they arrived with uncertainty and left with understanding, and that's exactly what visiting a mosque should do.
Whether you're curious, visiting for a school or work program, attending a Jummah service with a friend, or simply want to see inside, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.
Can Non-Muslims Visit a Mosque?
Yes — completely and genuinely.
Mosques in Australia, and around the world, welcome non-Muslim visitors. At Warragul Mosque, some of our most memorable visits have been from people with no connection to Islam at all: neighbours who walked past and wondered what was inside, teachers bringing classes, local council members, and interfaith groups wanting to build bridges.
There is nothing you need to believe, say, or do to walk through the door. You simply need to be respectful — which, if you are reading this guide, you clearly already are.
Do You Need to Book?
For Friday Jummah prayer: No booking needed. Jummah prayer at Warragul Mosque is every Friday at 1:30 PM. Arrive a few minutes early and someone will greet you at the entrance.
For a guided visit or group tour: Contact us first. Email hello@binai.org.au or call 0457 643 672. This lets us prepare a proper welcome and make sure someone is available to show you around, answer questions, and explain what you're seeing.
For school excursions: We have hosted classes from primary through secondary school and are experienced at making these visits educational and engaging. Please get in touch so we can tailor the visit to your students.
What to Wear to a Mosque
The guiding principle is modest and respectful. You don't need to dress in any particular cultural style — just cover appropriately and you'll be fine.
For Men
- Long trousers (jeans, chinos, or similar)
- A shirt or collared top
- Clean, tidy appearance
Shorts and singlets are not appropriate for the prayer space, but otherwise there's no strict requirement. Smart casual is perfectly suitable.
For Women
- Clothing that covers the arms and legs — a long skirt or trousers with a top that covers the elbows
- Headscarf: Not required for non-Muslim women. You are welcome to bring one if you'd like, but there is no obligation. Some women choose to wear one as a sign of respect; others don't. Both are fine.
- Avoid tight-fitting, low-cut, or see-through clothing
For Children
Children are welcome. The same modest principles apply, but nobody will turn a child away for wearing school uniform or casual clothes. Just aim for covered rather than beachwear.
A Practical Tip
Wear socks. You'll remove your shoes at the entrance, and the carpet inside is soft and clean. No bare feet needed, but socks make it more comfortable.
Removing Your Shoes
This is the one non-negotiable: shoes come off before you enter the prayer hall.
There is a rack or shelving near the entrance where shoes are left. This is not a security measure — it is a mark of respect and cleanliness. The prayer hall carpet is where people prostrate their foreheads in prayer, so it is kept exceptionally clean.
If you are unsure where to leave your shoes, just follow the person in front of you or ask someone near the entrance.
What Is Wudu?
Before Muslims pray, they perform wudu — a ritual washing of the hands, face, arms, and feet. You will likely see a washing area near the entrance of the mosque.
You are not expected to perform wudu as a visitor. It is for those who are about to pray. You may be curious about it and that's fine — feel free to ask someone to explain what they're doing.
Understanding the Layout of a Mosque
Most mosques have a broadly similar layout:
The prayer hall (musalla): The main space where congregational prayers take place. It is typically carpeted, free of furniture, and oriented toward the qibla — the direction of Mecca, which in Australia is roughly northwest. You may see a mihrab (a niche in the wall indicating the direction of prayer) and a minbar (a raised pulpit from which the imam delivers the sermon).
Separate spaces for men and women: In most mosques, men and women pray in separate areas. This is standard practice and is not about inequality — it reflects the way Islamic prayer is structured, where rows of people bow and prostrate together, and separate spaces allow both men and women to do so without awkwardness.
Washing facilities (wudu area): Usually near the entrance, with running water for ritual washing before prayer.
Entrance area: Where shoes are removed and guests are welcomed.
What Happens During a Visit on a Friday?
If you come for Jummah (Friday congregational prayer), here is what you will experience:
Before the prayer begins:
- People arrive and perform wudu
- The prayer hall fills up — men typically in the main hall, women in a separate section
- There is a quiet, settled atmosphere — people sitting, reading, or performing individual prayers
The Adhan (call to prayer):
- A short, melodic call is announced, either live or recorded
- This signals that prayer is about to begin
The Khutbah (sermon):
- The imam stands at the minbar and delivers a sermon, typically 20–30 minutes
- At Warragul Mosque, the khutbah is delivered in English, so you can follow along
- Topics range from Islamic teachings and ethics to current community issues
The Prayer:
- After the sermon, everyone stands in straight rows
- The imam leads two rak'ahs (units) of prayer — standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting
- The whole prayer takes about 10–15 minutes
- As a visitor, simply stand or sit quietly near the side or back. Nobody will expect you to participate.
After the prayer:
- People greet each other with handshakes and "As-salamu alaykum"
- The atmosphere becomes social and relaxed
- This is a good time to introduce yourself, ask questions, and chat
What to Say When You Arrive
If someone greets you with "As-salamu alaykum" (Arabic for "peace be upon you"), the traditional response is "Wa alaykum assalam" — "and upon you peace."
But a simple "hello," "thank you," or a smile is equally welcome. Nobody expects you to speak Arabic, and nobody will think less of you if you just say hi. The greeting is an offer of peace, not a test.
Questions Are Not Just Welcome — They Are Appreciated
One of the most consistent pieces of feedback we get from first-time visitors is that they were surprised by how warmly their questions were received.
There are no off-limits questions at Warragul Mosque. People here have been asked everything from "Why do you bow during prayer?" to "What do you think about the Israel-Palestine conflict?" to "Why can't Muslims eat pork?"
You do not need to tiptoe. Genuine curiosity is one of the best things you can bring through the door.
Some of the most common questions visitors ask:
- Why do Muslims pray five times a day? — Prayer is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Each prayer marks a point in the day for Muslims to reconnect with God.
- What does the Arabic mean in prayer? — The main recitations are chapters from the Quran and praises of God. The imam at Warragul Mosque can walk you through them.
- What is the difference between Sunni and Shia? — Two broad branches of Islam with historical and theological differences, similar to how Protestant and Catholic Christianity differ.
- Why do Muslim women wear the hijab? — For most women who wear it, the hijab is a personal expression of faith and identity, not something imposed. But views and practices vary widely.
- What is Ramadan like? — We've written a full guide here.
Can You Take Photos Inside a Mosque?
Always ask first.
During prayer: Photography is generally not appropriate. People are in a state of focused worship and it can be distracting or disrespectful.
Outside prayer times: Most mosques — including Warragul Mosque — are happy for respectful photography during visits and tours. Just ask a community member or the imam before taking photos.
Is There a Cost to Visit?
None at all. There is no entry fee. There is no charge to attend Friday prayer as a visitor. No one will hand you an invoice or pressure you into giving anything.
Some mosques have a donation box near the entrance. If you feel moved to contribute, that is entirely up to you. But visiting — and being welcomed — is free.
Bringing Children
Children are wonderful mosque visitors, and we love having them.
Young children are naturally curious and ask the most direct questions. We have had primary school students at Warragul Mosque whose questions were more insightful than most adults'. If your children are old enough to understand "we're visiting someone else's place of worship, so we behave respectfully," they are old enough to visit a mosque.
We have hosted classes from St Joseph's Primary School, St Paul's Anglican Grammar School, and other Baw Baw Shire schools as part of interfaith and multicultural education programs. Teachers consistently describe it as one of the most memorable excursions their students take.
Visiting Warragul Mosque
Warragul Mosque is the first and only mosque in Baw Baw Shire, serving the Muslim community of Warragul, Drouin, Trafalgar, and the surrounding region. It is located at 72 Victoria Street, Warragul, in a building that has been transformed into a warm, welcoming community centre and place of worship.
When can you visit?
- Friday Jummah prayer: Every Friday at 1:30 PM. No booking required — arrive a few minutes early and you'll be welcomed at the door.
- Group and school visits: By appointment. Email hello@binai.org.au or call 0457 643 672 and we will arrange a guided tour with time for questions and conversation.
- Community Open Days: Held periodically. Follow us on Instagram @binai.charity for announcements.
What Visitors Have Said
At our 2025 and 2026 Community Open Days, over 1,000 neighbours from across Baw Baw Shire came through the doors. The response was remarkably consistent:
"I had no idea what to expect. I'm so glad I came."
"Everyone was so welcoming. I want to bring my kids."
"It was completely different from what I imagined. In the best way."
Students from local schools have described their visits as some of the most meaningful experiences of their year. What often surprises people most is not the prayer or the architecture — it is simply the warmth of the people they meet.
Support Warragul Mosque
Warragul Mosque runs on the generosity of the community. There is no government funding, no endowment, no wealthy patron. The mosque — the lease, the imam, the utilities, the Quran classes, the events — is funded entirely by people who believe this community deserves a permanent place of worship.
We are working toward a purpose-built permanent facility in Warragul. Every donation, large or small, moves that goal closer.
If visiting has given you a sense of what this place means to the families who depend on it, consider making a contribution.
Warragul Mosque 72 Victoria Street, Warragul VIC 3820 Jummah: Every Friday at 1:30 PM (all welcome) Email: hello@binai.org.au · Phone: 0457 643 672
Operated by BawBaw Islamic Network Australia Inc. (BINAI), a registered charity in Victoria. ABN: 16 723 284 175.