Abstract
This work discusses the three reasons that differentiate Masjids (Mosques) from the classical speech rooms. The first relates to the recommended shape of Masjids. The second returns to the nature of sound source that is used in Masjids, its position and orientation. The last returns to the effect and behavior of worshippers inside the Masjid. For the first, it is preferable for Masjids to have a right prismatic form with a rectangular base, its long side faces the Holy Ka'aba in Makkah. Regarding the second, the only allowed sound source inside a Masjid is a human male voice who recites verses of the Holy Qur'an or delivers a speech in a formal Arabic language. The recitation must be performed in a slow rhythmic tone and the speech must be delivered in a medium to slow speech rate. The sound source is oriented opposite to the worshippers during the prayer, but elevated and facing them during the speech. For the last reason, the absorption characteristics of worshippers completely depend on their body postures according to method of prayer in Islam. In addition, those worshippers are not allowed to speak during the actual performance inside the Masjid; it is obligatory to keep silent which means a very low background noise.