Prayer Mats

The Prayer mat is used by Muslims needing to pray. Prayer mats are laid in the direction of Makkah. A prayer mat will help bring focus to those about to pray. The prayer mat is a Islamic invention. Prayer mats were produced in the 7th century and prayer mats became a common feature of Muslim life. The prayer mat is now an indispensable tool for Muslims and the prayer mat is easily identified with Islam.

A prayer mat comes from anywhere in the Muslim world but notable prayer mats are produced in Pakistani and Indian prayers mats within its established carpets and rugs products. Saudi Arabia and Syria also produce quality prayer mats. Designs for prayer mats are fabulous examples of Islamic art, architecture and craftsmanship. Common designs on a prayer mat feature the Holy Mosques in Makkah or Madinah but older prayer mats have shown the Blue Mosque, Alhambra and other famous mosques across the world. Modern prayer mats come equipped with a Qibla compass to show the direction of prayer.

The standard prayer mat is rectangular shaped. Designs and materials for a prayer mat vary immensely with prayer mats being produced in nearly all types of cloth and inspiring illustrations. Prayer mats are available in silk and velour. The prayer mat can be produced as a heavy rug. Historically, the prayer mat will be made out of wool or cowhide and prayer mats are still produced today in this manner.

Prayer mats will commonly be seen as part of a carpet design for mosque. These designs are simple and effective but generally not as visually impressive as a prayer mat. Prayer mats can be produced for all sizes with children’s prayer mats widely available as are gender specific prayer mats. The demand for prayer mats as carpets has created an industry on its own for countries like Pakistan and India.

Prayer mats make excellent gifts from Hajj. The prayer mat is exquisitely weaved with stunning patterns of stars, constellations or geometric patterns. The more elaborate prayer mats are weaved with gold or silver threaded prayer mat. The prayer mat may contain scenes from inside a beautiful mosque of long columns and wide halls. Such stunning prayer mats would be designed to be hung or displayed on walls as decorative pieces. However, even a simple prayer mat will be gracefully illustrated. Many prayer mats will have tassels or such decorative features along the mat edges.

Newer technology and modern demands mean that a prayer mat may be from synthetic waterproof materials for outdoor use. Prayer mats are created as a fold away easy to assemble piece for business users in the shape of a small prayer mat briefcase. Compasses are now a common feature on many a prayer mat and the two features of compass and briefcase make this prayer mat an excellent design feature. The compass on the prayer mat can also be a lovely design feature with gold plated or jewel encrusted compasses seen on the more expensive prayer mats available. However, simple prayer mats will have plastic or ceramic compasses. It is placed in the centre of the prayer mat or on the mat’s edge with easily discernible signs on how to use it properly. Prayer mats are also sold with separate compass watches.