The requirement of a clean place can be easily fulfilled with the use of prayer mats and this is the primary reason for the wide usage of prayer mats in Islam. These praying rugs are convenient and easy to carry as they comprise of a small carpet or rug, and can be rolled or folded to fit even in a compact space. They can be carried everywhere you go with you saving you the hassle of looking for a clean place to offer your prayers.
There are a few different types of prayer mats which are available and some of them include:
Hand woven: These are hand weaved from pure threads such as wool and silk and most commonly used by the richer people as they are costlier and unique.
Tree Bark: Prayer mats most commonly used in mosques and other joint praying places are made from certain tree barks. They are not as soft as the hand woven ones, but provide a thick layer of clean area to pray. These prayer mats are commonly referred to as a "Saf" and consists of a long rectangular mat which can accommodate numerous people at the same time.
The padded types of prayer mats; those that either use an extra layer of foam or polyester filling, are very useful for older people in particular as they provide a soft cushioning under the legs for those suffering from health issue related to the lower part of the body. These include back problems, arthritis and knee problems that become common with aging.
Prayer mats have been in use since the advent of Islam and are a fundamental part of any Muslims home. They are used five times a day by placing them on the floor in the direction of the house of Allah; the Kaa'ba, and standing on them and offering Salat. They are always kept clean and are often times removed from the floor immediately after use in order to prevent them from getting dirty.
No comments:
Post a Comment