I was on an overpass when I noticed down below was very nice looking mosque. I marveled at the building and tried to find a place where that would encompass the most of it in a photograph.. While taking pictures, a man called up to me asking where I was form. After my response, he asked "What is your purpose here?" I don’t know whether it was the tone of his voice, his choice of words, or his overall unfriendliness, but I was even more reluctant to get too near a mosque. I decided to move on rather than even walk down the steps from the overpass to view it from eye level.
Walking down a narrow alley the following day, I came across another mosque. Mogul Shiah Jaamay Masjid was quite old, actually 100 years old and I figured it must be active so I could at least stand outside in peace. I took some pictures, read the plaque and stood by the gate. I had notice a man looking at me who eventually beckoned me to come inside the gates. I stopped at the bottom of the stairs when a much older man appeared and motioned for me to come further.
Standing Just outside the main hall, he asked if I wanted to take pictures. Much to my surprise he invited me inside, even after learning my country of origin. He explained that worshippers off to right, which I had noticed were all me, were there because a friend had died.
He took me into the room to the left behind a darkly paneled divider. I noted that it was very plain, without shrine, alter or anything. He told me in this room the ladies worshipped on Fridays. It was then I realized I was not only in a mosque, but an active one at that. I was informed that I would be welcome to join them on Friday.
In the center, between the ladies room and section where the men had been praying, he pointed to the Koran and asked if I understood. He told me that this was where followers would sit and read. He asked something vague and not quite comprehendible about Hussein and Iran to which I merely nodded. I believe he said something about either Hussein had commissioned the plaque I had read outside or had worshipped here as well as murmuring he was from Iran whom the world was in conflict with.
I thank the man several times, appreciative for the opportunity and information.