Prayer+Rugs

Prayer rugs are essential for Muslims to carry out one of the five pillars of Islam, salat. Muslims are expected to pray five times a day (upon rising, at noon, in mid-afternoon, after sunset, and before going to sleep) on portable prayer rugs. As we learned in class, Muslims participate in ritual cleaning prior to entering a mosque. This value of cleanliness is carried over to everyday worship. The prayer rugs offer a clean space for Muslims to pray on the ground towards qibla (the direction of the Kabba in Mecca).

[1] Here is an example of a prayer rug. Notice the motifs and tessellations discussed under weaving methods. These rugs are small enough that worshipers are able to carry them wherever they go! [2]

The Kabba in Mecca. All Muslims pray towards Mecca (Qibla)

[3] Muslims are able to pray anywhere with prayer rugs.

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Muslim praying during the morning prayer on a prayer rug.

[1] lexingtonorientalrugs.com [2] [|http://al-madinagrocery.com] [3] isreality.com