Prayer rugs have been popular objects to adorn the homes and workplaces of many individuals and organizations, and they are still a popular item to buy at many religious-themed events. The popularity of prayer rugs, though, has risen sharply in recent years because the wearing of religion and prayer has become more mainstream in modern society. This increase in the popularity of prayer rugs is particularly interesting because they follow a time-honored tradition that is no longer seen as “mainstream.”
During much of history, it was against the law to display any kind of religious symbols or pictures on the body of your clothing. This meant that Muslim, Jewish, or Christian individuals had to choose between looking devoutly Muslim or Jewish or looking conspicuously Christian. They could not wear items that were critical of their religions as well. It was not uncommon, for instance, to see an Islamic prayer mat worn with business suits. Religious symbol display on clothing has only been acceptable since the middle part of the 20th century.
The first types of Islamic prayer rugs were made by highly respected Bedouin tribesmen who lived in the Mideast. These wool rugs were woven from mecca, which is a camel-like plant commonly found in the Middle East. The plant is very tough and can take the beating of the desert without losing its beauty.
Wool is not the only material available for prayer rugs. There are rugs that are made from jute and even batik, which is the hard artificial fiber that many of the Middle Easterners made into beautiful rugs. Some people believe that these kinds of textiles were introduced to the Mideast around the tenth century. Jute and batik are softer than mecca and can be dyed easily. These have become popular choices for Muslim, Jewish, and Christian worshipers.
The traditional designs for prayer rugs are those that show the face of the Buddha or Muhammad. Sometimes they are also shown in the form of the cross. They usually depict the religious beliefs of the people of the mosques. Worn in many traditional settings, mecca prayer rugs make a beautiful accessory to any home or even worn by women going to pray.
Islamic art has always been about symbolism. People have always been sensitive to portrayals of good verses of the Quran or the face of Allah. The religious text is translated literally, so the meaning should be apparent to all who see it. Many Muslim and Jewish prayer rugs feature religious designs like the Ka’ba (which is the temple built by Abraham) or Noah’s Ark, which is a Noah’s Ark used in the Old Testament.
Some modern mosques also have carpets hanging from their prayer rugs. Oftentimes these carpets are a depiction of Allah, the prophet, or other religious figures. Prayer mats are used by Muslims and Jews alike when they are in prayer or doing other forms of worship. The prayer mats are a must-have accessory in most mosques around the world.
Carpets with pictures of holy figures are common in many Mosques. In addition to carpets, prayer rugs are also commonly used as a backdrop. When not in use, a prayer rug can be displayed on the wall or within an album. The styles and designs are timeless and many Muslims and Jews will keep their prayer rugs for years to come.
Modern-day prayer rugs are no longer just used as a backdrop in a mosque. They have grown in popularity in every Muslim community and are now used as decorative pieces. Many times prayer rugs are displayed on furniture or in museums. There are even custom rugs available for weddings and other special occasions.
When picking out a blue prayer mat, there are a few things to consider. The size of the rug is one thing to consider, but how the fabric is cut and how thick it is also playing a big role in how comfortable the wearer is. The thickness will vary depending on the material being used as well as the shape of the rug and the one end that are hooked to it.
The most common prayer rugs are flat or rectangular in shape. In addition, there are some round prayer rugs that are very common as well. The squarer version of a prayer rug is usually preferred by Muslims because it allows them to kneel closer to the ground. This allows the worshiper to feel closer to God and to focus on praying.
