Abrahamic / Middle Eastern Islam Minbar Print Islamic worshippers listen to the Imam preach from the Minbar during Friday Muslim prayers in the Great Mosque in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Uriel Sinai/Getty Images Abrahamic / Middle Eastern Important Principles Prayer Salat Prophets of Islam The Quran Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr Hajj and Eid Al Adha By Huda Huda Islam Expert M.Ed., Loyola University–Maryland B.S., Child Development, Oregon State University Huda is an educator, school administrator, and author who has more than two decades of experience researching and writing about Islam online. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on June 25, 2019 Definition: A raised platform in the front area of a mosque, from which sermons or speeches are given. The minbar is located to the right of the mihrab, which marks the direction of the qiblah for prayer. The minbar is usually made of carved wood, stone, or brick. The minbar includes a short staircase leading to the top platform, which is sometimes covered by a small dome. At the bottom of the staircase there may be a gate or doorway. The speaker walks up the steps and either sits or stands on the minbar while addressing the congregation. In addition to making the speaker visible to worshippers, the minbar helps to amplify the voice of the speaker. In modern times, microphones are also used for this purpose. The traditional minbar is a common element of Islamic mosque architecture throughout the world. Pronunciation: min-bar Also Known As: pulpit Common Misspellings: mimbar, mimber Examples: The imam stands on the minbar while addressing the congregation. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Huda. "Minbar." Learn Religions, Aug. 27, 2020, learnreligions.com/minbar-or-mosque-pulpit-2004460. Huda. (2020, August 27). Minbar. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/minbar-or-mosque-pulpit-2004460 Huda. "Minbar." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/minbar-or-mosque-pulpit-2004460 (accessed April 26, 2024). copy citation