Free mosque tours in Sacramento
Learn about Islam
Free guided tours for students, classes and anyone curious. Walk through the masjid with Br. Asif or Sr. Anne, observe a real congregational prayer, and ask every question on your list.
Free · Open to people of every faith and none · 4545 College Oak Dr, Sacramento
Who visits SALAM
Thinking of visiting a mosque in Sacramento? Are you…
Most of our visitors aren’t Muslim. They come to learn, for a class, or simply to meet their neighbors. Whoever you are, it’s the same welcoming tour.
A college student with a class assignment?
Taking Introduction to Islam, World Religions, Religious Studies, Sociology or Anthropology at Sacramento State, UC Davis, American River College or another school? Observe a live Friday or evening prayer, ask your questions, and get your visit confirmed for your paper or final project.
Book a tour →A teacher planning a field trip?
Bring your high school or middle school class for a world religions, world history, ethnic studies or social studies unit. Book one tour for the whole class, and your guide will shape it to your grade level and curriculum.
Book a class visit →A church, interfaith or community group?
Congregations, interfaith councils, scout troops, nonprofits and workplace groups are welcome to visit together and spend time with the SALAM community.
Book a group tour →Simply curious about Islam?
A neighbor, a new coworker, or someone who has always wondered what happens inside a mosque? Come as you are. No background needed, and no question is off limits.
Book a tour →Book a tour
One tour. Pick the time that works for you.
Every tour covers the same ground and ends with a live congregational prayer, so any date works for a class assignment that asks you to observe a worship service.
Every tour includes
- A guided walk through the masjid
- The story of SALAM
- Islam in plain language: the core beliefs, and why Muslims pray five times a day
- A live congregational prayer you can observe
- Questions and answers with your guide, including the ones from your assignment
Fridays
12:15–2:15 PM
A longer visit that includes the Friday sermon (khutbah) in English and Jumuah, the week’s main congregational prayer.
Monday & Wednesday evenings
About 1 hour 15 minutes
Timed around Maghrib, the sunset prayer, so you see it live. Sunset moves with the seasons, so the calendar shows the exact start time for each date. Offered on selected evenings.
Book the same way and tell us how many students and adults are coming. Your guide will shape the tour to your grade level or course.
Who you’ll meet
Your guides
Br. Asif and Sr. Anne lead every tour. Ask for them when you arrive. They’ll meet you at the door, walk with you the whole way, and stay for every question afterward.
You don’t need to know anything about Islam before you come. That’s what the tour is for.
Br. Asif Haq
Tour guide
Sr. Anne Kjemtrup
Tour guide
How your visit goes
What to expect, start to finish
Five steps, and nothing to prepare.
Arrive about ten minutes early
Park in the SALAM lot on College Oak Dr. On Fridays the lot fills for Jumuah, so park across the street at American River College and walk over. Your guide meets you at the masjid entrance.
Leave your shoes at the door
People pray directly on the prayer hall carpet, so everyone, Muslim or not, leaves their shoes on the racks outside. Wear socks you’re happy to be seen in.
Walk through the masjid
See the prayer hall, the mihrab that points toward Makkah, and the washing area where people prepare for prayer, and hear how SALAM came to be.
Observe the prayer
You’ll sit at the back of the hall while the congregation prays. Nothing is expected of you but quiet: you don’t need to join in, kneel or know any words. Bring a notebook if you’re writing it up for class. The Friday sermon and prayer take about 40 minutes; Maghrib takes about ten.
Ask anything
No question is too basic or too big. Fasting, the headscarf, what the Arabic means, what Muslims believe about Jesus: your guide has heard it all and is glad you asked.
Photos: CapturedLight Productions
Before you come
Good questions
What students and teachers usually ask us first.
I’m visiting for a class. Can you confirm I came?
Yes. Mention it when you book, and bring your class form if you have one. Your guide can sign it at the end of the tour.
Confirm the guides are happy to sign formsCan I take notes, or interview someone for my paper?
Notes, absolutely. If your assignment includes an interview, say so when you book and your guide will make time for it after the tour.
Do I need to know anything about Islam first?
No. The tour starts from the beginning and assumes no background at all. Visitors of every faith, and of none, are welcome.
What should I wear?
Loose, comfortable clothing that covers your arms and legs: long sleeves, and long pants or a long skirt. Women are asked to cover their hair in the prayer hall. Bring a scarf, or borrow one from us at the door.
Confirm the head-covering request and that loaner scarves are availableDoes the tour cost anything?
No. Every tour is free, for individuals and for classes.
How do I book for a whole class?
The same way as anyone else. Pick a Friday or a weekday evening and tell us how many students and adults are coming. It’s the same tour with the same guides, shaped to your grade level or course.
Is a visit right for younger students?
Yes. Tell us the grade level and your guide will pitch the visit to your students. Teachers and chaperones stay with the group the whole time.
Can we take photos?
Photos of the building are welcome. Please don’t photograph people while they pray, and check with your guide before filming.
What about accessibility?
Tell us about any mobility needs when you book and your guide will plan the route around them.
What if I need to change my date?
Use the link in your confirmation email to reschedule or cancel. It takes a few seconds and opens the spot for someone else.
