Ma'adhana
Site for the call to prayer, frequently identified with the minaret. (associated with Islam)
Madrasa
A school for the teaching of Islam – usually a mosque – including lecture halls and residential accommodations for students. (associated with Islam)
Maidan
A large open space, or square, for ceremonial functions. (non-denominational)
Mandir
A Hindu temple. (associated with Hinduism)
Manse
The dwelling of an ecclesiastical minister, especially one for a Presbyterian minister. (associated with Christian faiths)
Mashhad
Shrine or commemorative mosque. (associated with Islam)
Mashrabiya
Wooden lattice work creating transparent screens that are placed over openings in a building, such a windows and balconies. (associated with Islam)
Masjid (Mosque)
Building used for Muslim prayer – the principal unit of Islamic architecture. Standard features include: the minbar or pulpit, which was used by Muhammad to give sermons; the mihrab or prayer niche, which was first introduced by the Umayyad caliph al-Walid in the 8th century; ablutions facilities; a central pool or fountain; and the minaret. (associated with Islam)
Mathara
Place of ritual ablution (cleansing). (associated with Islam)
Mazar
Mausoleum or shrine. (associated with Islam)
Mechitzah
A wood, metal or cloth partition used to divide the men and women in a synagogue. (associated with Judaism)
Meeting house
A house of worship – primarily for the Society of Friends (Quakers) and the Mormons. (associated with Christian faiths)
Mescit
A small mosque without a minbar, where daily prayers are held, but not a Friday sermon. (associated with Islam)
Mihrab
Niche or marker, usually found in a mosque, used to signify the direction of Mecca. The mihrab is a focus for architectural decoration and is often embellished (e.g., with stucco, polychrome glazed tiles, carved woodwork, glass mosaic or marble inlay). The designs are usually epigraphic and often geometric or vegetal, but never with figurative imagery. (associated with Islam)
Minaret
Tower-like structures with one or more balconies, usually associated with mosques. (associated with Islam)
Minbar
Type of pulpit usually found in mosques from which prayers, speeches and religious guidance are given. The minbar is situated to the right of the mihrab and consists of a raised platform reached by a set of steps. There is often a door at the entrance to the steps and a dome or canopy above the platform. (associated with Islam)
Misericord
Hinged seat of a choir stall with a shelf fitted to the undersideto provide some level of comfort for those standing during long periods of prayer. (associated with Christian faiths)
Monastery
A building or building complex that houses a religious order or others seeking religious seclusion. (associated with Christian faiths)
Moon gate
A circular opening in a wall in traditional Chinese architecture. Moon gates have many different spiritual meanings for every piece of tile on the gate and on the shape of it. (non-denominational)
Mortuary chapel
Building where corpses are temporarily accommodated; or a chapel over a burial place or sepulchre. (associated with Christian faiths)
Musalla
A temporary place where prayer is performed by a congregation of people. (associated with Islam)