Jamaat-khana

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A jamaat-khana (or jamaatkhana, jamaat khana; Arabo-Persian: "community-house") is an Ismaili place of prayer. The term is also used by Sunni Muslims in places like South Africa for a prayer room.

The term is shortened amongst Gujarati Ismailis to "khane". Many of these Ismailis live in the Kutch region of Gujarat The longer version being rarely used. The inner sanctuary of an Ismaili jamaat-khana is called the khano, and it is believed that the Imam-e Zamaan (currently Karim al-Hussaini Aga Khan) is present in his esoteric ('baatini) form.

Upon entering the khano, Ismailis touch the floor with the right hand and touch the chin and forehead as a sign of respect for the presence of the Imam-e Zamaan. Only registered Ismailis are permitted to enter the khano.