How to Offer Sensory-Friendly Prayers and Experiences at the Mosque 

Fostering Inclusion Through Thoughtful Design

This blog provides actionable tips for making mosques and prayers sensory-friendly, with insights, experience, and recommendations from Uneeba Chutani, who, at the time of these articles, was an occupational therapy student at the University of Toronto and is now a practicing occupational therapist. Mosques are central places of worship, reflection, and community. However, for individuals with sensory sensitivities—such as children with autism or adults with sensory processing challenges—these environments can sometimes feel overwhelming. Bright lights, crowded spaces, and loud sounds can create barriers to fully participating in prayers and celebrations.

Rabia, a pseudonym for a mother who wanted to remain anonymous, shared her experiences with taking her son who is autistic and experiences sensory sensitivities to her local mosque.

“It can be really overwhelming for me when my son has a meltdown at the mosque. Everyone kind of looks at us because I guess it’s disrespectful to be so disruptive. When he sees so many new faces he doesn’t really know how to act. He just sort of starts screaming trying to get me to take him home. It got so bad at one point that my husband and I would take turns going to the mosque while the other stayed in the car with him. I know it wasn’t his fault. He gets really uncomfortable. But it’s also necessary for him to learn about our religion and culture, especially living in North America.”

– Rabia, the mother of an autistic child with sensory sensitivities.

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Creating a Sensory-Friendly Prayer Environment

Steps to Sensory-Friendly Taraweeh Prayers

1. Control Lighting: Use dimmable or softer lighting to minimize glare and harsh brightness in prayer areas.
2. Moderate Sound Levels: Adjust microphone and speaker volumes to reduce auditory overwhelm while maintaining clarity.
3. Flexible Seating Options: Provide different options for chairs or cushions for individuals who may find it difficult to stand for extended periods.
4. Designate Quiet Zones: Create a quiet room or area for congregants needing a break from sensory stimulation.
5. Train Volunteers: Equip mosque staff and volunteers with an understanding of sensory sensitivities and practical support strategies.

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How to Offer Sensory-Friendly Eid Prayers

Making Large Gatherings More Inclusive

Eid prayers attract large crowds, often intensifying sensory triggers. By incorporating sensory-friendly practices, mosques can create an environment where everyone feels welcome.

Tips for Inclusive Eid Prayers

• Manage Crowds: Schedule multiple prayer sessions to reduce congestion.
• Announce Accommodations: Share details about sensory-friendly options, such as quiet zones or sensory kits, via emails or announcements.
• Ease Entry and Exit: Organize separate entry and exit routes to minimize crowd-related stress.
• Provide Sensory Tools: Offer kits with noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, and water bottles for those who need them.

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Managing Sensory Overload at the Mosque

Strategies for Overcoming Overwhelm

Sensory overload can happen at any time, these proactive measures can help:

1. Accessible Tools: Place sensory kits with headphones, weighted lap pads, and calming visuals at mosque entrances.
2. Calm Communication: Ensure volunteers are approachable and trained to assist individuals experiencing sensory overwhelm.
3. Gather Feedback: Conduct regular surveys or feedback sessions to understand congregants’ needs and improve accommodations.

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Helping Families Prepare for Sensory-Friendly Mosque Visits

Discuss What to Expect

Preparing your child for a mosque visit can reduce sensory overload and make the experience more enjoyable for the whole family. Start by discussing what they can expect at the mosque. Use tools like social stories, books, pictures, and videos to familiarize them with the environment. Share personal stories from your own childhood about attending the mosque to build a sense of connection.

Arriving early can also help. Give your child a quick tour, showing them essential areas like the toilets and prayer hall. Repeating this tour on multiple visits—or even every visit—can reinforce familiarity and reduce anxiety. Helping your child know what to expect is key to minimizing stress and fostering a positive experience.

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Practice Ahead of Time

Role-playing mosque visits through play is another effective way to help children prepare. Play allows children to practice and adjust to new experiences in a safe and fun way. For example:

• Use toys to act out social greetings or the process of lining up for prayer.
• Practice phrases or actions your child may encounter at the mosque.

Remember, children learn through play! Engaging in playful activities helps them build confidence and understand new experiences in a safe and supportive way. Using play to prepare for mosque visits allows children to practice and feel more comfortable, helping them participate meaningfully in their spiritual journey.

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Bring Sensory Tools

Equipping your child with sensory-friendly tools can make a big difference. These tools cater to their unique sensory preferences and create a more comfortable environment. Consider bringing:

• Noise-canceling headphones, read our blog: Ear Protection, Headphones for Autism, and Sensory Sensitivity
• Fidgets or calming toys, dive deeper in our blog: Fidgets: More Than Just Child’s Play
• Weighted lap pads: discover more in our blog: Everything You Need to Know About Weighted Lap Pads and Blankets   .

Rabia, a mother of an autistic child, shares:
“Something as simple as just packing toys in my purse for my son has helped him feel a lot more relaxed while I’m praying!”

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Visit During Less Busy Hours

Introducing your child to the mosque when it’s less busy can help them adjust to the new environment. For instance, visit during off hours when the mosque is quieter, and daily prayers are not in session. This allows your child to explore the space without feeling overwhelmed by noise or crowds.

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Pack Food and Drinks

Children are better equipped to handle sensory challenges when their basic needs are met. Ensure your child has eaten a meal before visiting the mosque. If you plan to stay longer, pack snacks and drinks to keep hunger and thirst at bay, preventing additional stress.

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Manage Toilet Breaks

Plan ahead for toilet breaks to help your child manage their internal body sense. The excitement of a new environment can disrupt their routine, leading to discomfort. Regular breaks for the toilet and hydration can help them stay calm and focused during your visit.

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Pioneering Autism-Friendly Mosques: A Research Initiative

Explore an inspiring research initiative focused on creating an autism-friendly mosque. This project aims to make mosque spaces more inclusive by incorporating sensory-friendly designs, specialized training for staff and volunteers, and community-focused accommodations. These efforts not only support individuals with autism but also foster a greater sense of belonging for all worshippers. Learn how such initiatives are paving the way for more accessible and inclusive places of worship.

FAQs

1. What makes a prayer space sensory-friendly?

A sensory-friendly prayer space minimizes sensory triggers, such as bright lights and loud sounds, while offering accommodations like quiet zones and sensory kits.

2. How can mosques support families with sensory-sensitive children?

Mosques can create quiet spaces, reduce sensory triggers, and train volunteers to provide support.

3. Are sensory-friendly adjustments expensive?

Not at all! Many changes, such as adjusting lighting or creating a quiet room, are cost-effective yet impactful.

4. Why is sensory-friendliness important for mosques?

It ensures inclusivity, allowing everyone in the community to participate in prayers and celebrations comfortably.

How can I create a sensory-friendly environment during Ramadan?

Creating a sensory-friendly environment during Ramadan involves thoughtful planning, including adjusting routines, reducing sensory triggers, and fostering inclusivity. For actionable tips and a step-by-step guide, check out Your Complete Guide to a Sensory-Friendly Ramadan. This resource provides practical advice to make Ramadan celebrations more welcoming for everyone.

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Conclusion

By implementing sensory-friendly practices, mosques can create spaces that are welcoming and accessible to everyone. Small changes, like dimming bright lights or offering sensory kits, can make a significant difference in creating an inclusive worship environment. Join us in promoting sensory-friendly practices by exploring our resources and courses.

“I think it’s important to work with other parents to help find solutions. We want coming to the mosque to be accessible for our children so we need to make sure they have what they need here. We need to start the conversation and changes will follow, whether that’s a quiet room or any other accommodation.”

– Rabia, the mother of an autistic child with sensory sensitivities.

Showcasing Our Sensory Friendly Solutions

At Sensory Friendly Solutions, we provide resources and training to help communities create inclusive spaces:

• Sensory-Friendly 101 Course: A foundational guide to sensory-friendly practices.
• Customized Training: Industry-specific courses tailored for mosques and community centers.
• Guides and Checklists: Practical tools to help implement sensory-friendly initiatives.

Watch a video from our founder, Christel Seeberger, to discover how our training membership can transform your mosque into an inclusive space for all.

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