What is a prayer rug used for?

prayer rug, Arabic sajjāda, Persian namāzlik, one of the major types of rug produced in central and western Asia, used by Muslims primarily to cover the bare ground or floor while they pray. Prayer rugs are characterized by the prayer niche, or mihrab, an arch-shaped design at one end of the carpet.

Which way should a prayer mat face?

Prayer rugs’ patterns generally have a niche at the top, which is turned to face Mecca. During prayer the supplicant kneels at the base of the rug and places his or her hands at either side of the niche at the top of the rug, his or her forehead touching the niche.

Which way do prayer mats face?

Prayer mats always have an arch design on them, and this arch is pointed in the direction of Makkah (Mecca). All Muslims face in the direction of the holy city of Makkah (Mecca) when they pray, and more specifically, the sacred cube shaped shrine, the Ka’bah, in the centre of Makkah.

Do Islams pray on mats?

Muslims use the mat to ensure cleanliness and to offer prayer in an isolated space. While this isn’t a requirement in the Islamic religion, Islam does call on its followers to worship in a clean area. A prayer rug offers both of these and hence has become one of the most cherished items of any Muslim household.

Do Muslims have to pray on a prayer rug?

You do not have to pray on a prayer mat or rug. As long as the place is clean and free from impurities you can pray there and you don’t need a mat. The floor of the mosque of the Prophet (peace be upon him) was made of sand and dust. This proves to us that you can pray without a prayer mat.

How do you know which way to pray?

4 Method 4 of 5: Using a compass

1. Get yourself a Qibla compass.
2. Find out the direction to Mecca from you location. Hold out your compass flat, wait for the dial to settle. Turn towards the direction to Makkah for your location. Done.