Prayer Rugs
Usually prayer rugs are used for religious purposes, so let’s learn about these rugs. Muslims are often seen kneeling and prostrating on small embroidered carpets which are called prayer rugs. For those unfamiliar with Islamic traditions, prayer rugs may look just like lovely pieces of embroidery or Oriental rugs.
During Islamic prayers, worshippers bow, kneel, and prostrate on the ground. The only requirement in Islam is that prayers be performed in a clean area. Prayer rugs are not strictly 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 a really isolated space to concentrate in prayer.
Prayer rugs are not large. They are usually about one meter long, just enough for an adult to fit comfortably when kneeling or prostrating. Modern, commercially-produced prayer rugs are often manufactured of silk or cotton.