Prayer Rugs

Prayer Rugs are not required for Islamic prayer. The only requirement is that Muslims worship on a clean space. Because they are also required to kneel, bow, and lie in humility on the ground during prayer, a rug is a comfortable way to ensure a clean surface while praying.

Many antique Turkoman rugs are called Turkoman prayer rugs, but if there is any wear on the rug, it was likely not used for prayer. Modern day Persian prayer rugs have to be kept clean. This means these special rugs are not walked upon, they are only handled with clean hands, and the rugs are rolled up after use and kept in a protected space.

These rugs are very soft and not meant to be trampled. If an antique Turkoman prayer rug is very heavy in weight with thick, sturdy fringe, it was more likely used as a tent door or actually used as a rug in a home. These rugs are usually also larger in size than a traditional prayer rug.

Persian prayer rugs are only about a meter long. Each rug is small enough to be folded and easily transported. There is usually a design at the top of the rug pointing toward the direction of prayer.

You can find a hand-stitched prayer rug, and there are antique rugs that have remained well preserved and have only been used for decor. Most Muslims now use machine-produced rugs as they are very inexpensive and can be easily replaced. Collectors are more interested in a beautiful and fragile handmade prayer rug.

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