The architectural organization of a mosque
Tradition has it that the first mosque was the Prophet Mohammed's house in Medina, the plans of which we still have today. It was a square courtyard, one wall of which, facing Mecca, became the qibla. Side alcoves were built on either side to accommodate the Prophet's wives. One of his companions, Zarkachi, left a prescription for the principles to be followed in building mosques. Believers were to pray in an atmosphere of serenity and follow the preacher's sermon without difficulty.
The interior of a mosque always follows the same plan. An entrance for removing shoes, a fountain for purification, a sanctuary in the strict sense of the term, with the qibla as the back wall, and a niche in the middle, the mirhab, in front of which the imam stands and leads the prayer. The mosque, erected on the principle of piety, should provoke in the believer a respectful reaction to the majesty of the absolute, and incite him to meditate on the mystery of this eternal principle. The architecture of the mosque was thus dictated by the rules of prayer. Mosques not to be missed in Tunisia include the Zitouna Mosque in Tunis and the Great Mosque of Kairouan.
Warning about visiting mosques
Be aware that most mosques are off limits to non-Muslims. However, if you are allowed to enter the shrine, please remember to remove your shoes. Cover your arms and legs (shorts and skirts are not allowed); ladies should also cover their hair. Bring one or two large shawls if you are visiting, although foutas are often available. Be quiet and do not try to take pictures. This is a holy place and some travelers tend to forget that.
Sunnis and Shiites, what is the major difference?
In the early days of Islam, the faithful were divided into two movements: Sunni and Shia. The split between the two movements resulted from the struggle between Ali, Muhammad's son-in-law, and Mu'awiya, the founder of the Umayyad dynasty. After a conflict that cost the lives of a considerable number of men, Ali, the fourth caliph, was defeated in 661 by his rival from Damascus, who succeeded him in office. Sunnis (the overwhelming majority of Tunisians) are "orthodox" Muslims claiming their origins in the branch of the Umayyad knights. These followers were given the name Sunni, as they take the name of their religious current from the Sunna, which means "tradition".
The Shiites, on the other hand, recognize only the descendants of Ali.
Superstitious gestures to ward off the evil eye
The Tunisian society does not escape its lot of rituals and acts to bring luck or avoid bad luck. It starts with the hand of Fatma with protective power. To name only a few superstitions: it is good to cross the threshold of a new house with the right foot; not to fold the clothes in the bag after the hammam; not to whistle because it invokes the devil; not to open the umbrella in the house; to throw water behind someone who is going to take the road so that he comes back safe and sound...
