AIBU to question praying and sleeping in the library kids area?

I think that's a "you" problem, not a "him" problem.

It must be tricky fitting all the Islamic prayers in during a UK winter. The intervals between the midday, afternoon and sunset prayers must be quite short, especially as far north as Inverness.

Much like OP’s.

I'd find it annoying. I don't go to a library expecting to see a man on the floor praying, especially in the children's library.

Are you under the impression that councils are actively encouraging men to prey in children’s areas of libraries? He obviously is controlling the space, what is it that you are not getting here?

No it doesn't help at all. A person praying, to me, does not become threatening if they're praying in a different 'situation'. Islam requires prayers five times a day, at specific times. People find the best option they've got at the time. Some of my colleagues at work pray, I've never felt threatened at work because of it.

Be mad at the systems not the people. They're looking for shelter and Internet access during the day, they may only have an overnight shelter or be rough sleeping. Its cold. Library is free.

Our public spaces? So British Muslims don’t belong in “our” public spaces because we are a “Christian” country? Interesting, so it’s not really about the children. It’s about Muslims taking over “our public spaces”

Public spaces are for everyone.

And “moreso” a Muslim man praying is intimidating, moreso than all other religions?

The naïveté is so faux.

It’s just inconsiderate OP. The need for someone to pray doesn’t outweigh your desire to access the children’s play area in a library for its intended purpose. Hard no also to people sleeping there with their shoes and socks off. Whilst it’s sad, again their needs shouldn’t come before those of everyone else. It’s a library not a hostel. The library was my refuge with my small children and both these issues would massively put me off.

When (going from the OP) the room was empty bar one other adult, and at a time when the vast majority of children would have been at school or nursery. In a type of building that councils are actively encouraging people to use as a public space, as has been mentioned re designated warm spaces, benefits access etc.

@Bollixtothat I mean this genuinely, if you think that a man praying is intimidating I think you need help. That's such a bizarre take. The idea that he is controlling the space is entirely your projection.

Do you usually find people in prayer intimidating?

Would it help to use the word situation rather than context? Do you usually find naked people in the gym changing room intimidating? What about if they got on a bus with you?

Yanbu, but I’m not surprised, the amount of drug related anti social issues in Inverness at the minute is ridiculous. Children’s section of the library shouldn’t have people taking up space by praying or sleeping, just kids and parents/guardians doing appropriate things

I think this is a pretty sad and narrow minded view to be honest. Why is it a problem to observe your religion if you are in a country where that is not the primary religion?

I’m an atheist but definitely pro multi culturalism and can’t see the problem with a Muslim praying in a Christian country or vice versa.

I find it interesting that OP is so exercised by these stray adults in the children's section of the library that she has time to photograph the folded-over mat and post on MN, but not do the obvious thing and fetch a member of staff to move the praying man and the sleeping women to the adult part of the library.

Typo

I would find a grown man in a public library praying loudly intimidating. Moreso a Muslim in a Christian country. I would also find it uncomfortable watching a Christian praying openly in a Muslim country. People are allowed to be uncomfortable when men try to control our public spaces- and it always men.

When you went in were there any other children? If not then at least the space was being used. The man praying didn’t ask you to be quiet or go away did he? If not your children could have sat and read books whilst he prayed

I live in an affluent area and I've seen homeless men sleeping in the library. It's too dangerous to sleep outside during the night and it's warm in the library.

The praying would annoy me. It's so intrusive and performative to do it in such a public spot. We wouldn't do yoga or dance practice or lie on the floor in the kids' section. Why should his praying be special?

The children’s area of the library is the context

Ooh, good catch.

Why would it make them feel uncomfortable though? I think that's the 'context' that we're all looking for someone to explain. Do you usually find people in prayer intimidating?

One woman.
And the take over was more of a borrowing for a few minutes before she had even entered the library.

Not all religions worship in a church.

You’re comparing celebrating Easter in what is essentially still a Christian country with a grown man taking over a children’s area and making women and children feel uncomfortable?

The very epitome of a sleeper spy…

Yes. Sleeping is not always sleeping. It may really be dreaming up plans for the GREAT REPLACEMENT.