Meet the neighbours

How to visit a mosque, a church, a synagogue, a gurdwara or a mandir: what to expect, in each place's own words

Before you go (anywhere)

Book ahead. Most places of worship love visitors, and a quick email or call means someone is ready to welcome you.
Check the times. Avoid arriving in the middle of a service unless you have been invited to it.
Dress modestly: covered shoulders and knees is a safe rule for all five.
Ask before you photograph people, and switch your phone to silent.
Bring questions. Your hosts would rather you ask than guess.

Visiting a mosque

In their words: 'We are always delighted to welcome visitors from all backgrounds through our doors.' (Bradford Grand Mosque)
Take off your outdoor shoes where you see the racks, before the prayer hall.
'Modest dress is required for both male and female visitors.' Women are usually asked to cover their hair; many mosques lend scarves.
Keep your voice low, especially during the call to prayer, and don't walk in front of anyone who is praying.
'Refrain from taking pictures during prayer times and of people performing ablution.'
Men and women usually pray in separate areas. Some people prefer not to shake hands with the opposite sex; a smile and a hand on the heart is a warm alternative.

Visiting a church

In their words: 'There is no dress code: come as you are.' 'You are welcome to participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable.' (St John's, Farsley)
Men usually remove hats. In some Orthodox churches women cover their heads and people stand for most of the service.
At Holy Communion, in many churches you may stay in your seat, or come forward with your arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing. In Catholic churches, Communion itself is for Catholics.
Cathedrals and many parish churches are open daily for visitors and quiet prayer.

Visiting a synagogue

In their words: 'We extend a warm welcome to all those visiting our synagogue.' (Whitefield Hebrew Congregation)
Expect a security check: 'please don't be offended if you are asked your details and the purpose of your visit.' Visits are usually arranged in advance.
'All boys and men are required to have their head covered … skull caps can be loaned.' (Singers Hill Synagogue, Birmingham) In Orthodox synagogues married women often cover their hair.
In Orthodox synagogues men and women sit separately. On Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday night) phones and cameras stay away, and nothing is written or carried.

Visiting a gurdwara

In Sikh words: 'All visitors MUST cover their heads while in the main Gurdwara areas.' Visitors 'will have to remove their shoes and place them in the shoe racks provided.' (SikhiWiki visitor guidance) Gurdwaras usually lend head scarves.
'Chairs are not provided in the Gurdwara and so, when sitting, this will be on the carpeted floor.' (SikhiWiki) Sit with your feet away from the Guru Granth Sahib, the scripture at the front.
No alcohol, tobacco or drugs on the premises.
'You may be offered Langar (vegetarian food from the communal kitchen).' Accept it if you can: everyone eats together, as equals.

Visiting a mandir

In their words: 'Welcome to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Popularly known as the 'Neasden Temple', it is a sanctuary of vibrant Hindu worship in north-west London.' Admission is free. (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London)
Take off your shoes before entering the shrine area, and dress modestly.
You may see arti, a ceremony of waving lamps before the sacred images, with singing and bells. Visitors may watch quietly.
Practice varies between mandirs and traditions: check each mandir's visitor guidelines before you go.

Good questions to ask

What happens here in a normal week?
What is your favourite part of this building, and why?
What do you wish more people knew about your faith?
How can we help or take part in your community's events?

Practice varies between places and traditions: check each building's own website before you visit. Quotations from the visitor guidance of Bradford Grand Mosque, St John's Church Farsley, Whitefield Hebrew Congregation, Singers Hill Synagogue, SikhiWiki (visiting a gurdwara) and BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London. More places that welcome visitors: whoisallah.org.uk/common/visit