Use of Prayer Rugs

During Islamic prayers, worshippers bow, kneel and prostrate on the ground in humility before God. The only requirement in Islam is that prayers be performed in an area that is clean. Prayer rugs are not universally used by Muslims, nor specifically required in Islam. But they have become a traditional way for many Muslims to ensure the cleanliness of their place of prayer, and to create an isolated space to concentrate in prayer.

Prayer rugs are usually about one meter (or three feet) long, just enough for an adult to fit comfortably on when kneeling or prostrating. Modern, commercially-produced rugs are often constructed from silk or cotton.

While some rugs are made in solid colors, they are usually adorned. The designs are often geometric, floral, arabesque, or depict Islamic landmarks such as the Ka'aba in Mecca or Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. They are usually designed so that the rug has a definite "top" and "bottom"—the bottom is where the worshipper stands, and the top points towards the direction of prayer.