Is It Permissible to Pray on Decorated Prayer Mats, and Are Certain Designs Discouraged?
Question
Asalaamualaykum,
Is it permissible to have decorated prayer mats?
If it is permissible, can the decorations be more than simple symmetrical shapes, such as plants or objects?
If objects or plants are allowed, do they have to be Islamic, such as items mentioned in the Qur’an or the Kaaba, or can they be anything that looks nice?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
This question relates to the permissibility of decoration in places of prayer, the effect of visual elements on khushu, and the distinction between what is permissible, disliked, and prohibited.
1. The Shar‘i Context
The default ruling regarding objects and items is permissibility unless there is a clear prohibition.
Allah says:
“Say, who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has brought forth for His servants?”
Surat al A‘raf 7:32
Prayer mats are not acts of worship in themselves, but means used during worship. Therefore, the ruling depends on whether the design:
- Distracts from prayer
- Contains prohibited imagery
- Conflicts with the purpose of khushu
2. Ruling on Decorated Prayer Mats in General
It is permissible to pray on decorated prayer mats.
However, the Prophet cautioned against excessive decoration that distracts the heart.
Aishah said that the Prophet prayed in a garment with markings, then said:
“These designs distracted me in my prayer.”
Sahih al Bukhari
Based on this, the scholars stated:
- Decoration is permissible in principle
- Anything that distracts is disliked (makruh)
- The prayer remains valid, even if distraction occurs
3. Types of Decorations
A. Geometric and Symmetrical Patterns
Geometric designs, symmetrical shapes, and abstract patterns are fully permissible and commonly used. They generally cause minimal distraction when modest.
B. Plants and Inanimate Objects
Images or designs of:
- Plants
- Trees
- Mountains
- Buildings
- Inanimate objects
are permissible, because they do not fall under the prohibition of animate images.
However, if such designs are very bold or visually engaging, they may still be disliked due to distraction.
C. Animate Beings
Images of:
- Humans
- Animals
- Faces
are not appropriate for prayer mats. While praying on such a mat does not invalidate the prayer, it is strongly disliked, and some scholars considered it prohibited due to resemblance to prohibited images.
4. Must the Design Be “Islamic”
No.
There is no requirement that designs on prayer mats be:
- Islamic symbols
- Qur’anic references
- The Kaaba
- Mosques
Any permissible design is allowed.
That said, scholars often advise avoiding sacred imagery, such as:
- The Kaaba
- Masajid
- Qur’anic verses
on prayer mats, because:
- They may lead to distraction
- They may be stepped on or placed on the ground
- They risk diminishing reverence
5. What Is Best
While decorated mats are permissible, the scholars agreed that:
- Simpler mats are better for khushu
- Plain or minimally patterned mats are closer to the practice of the Prophet and the early Muslims
This is a recommendation, not an obligation.
6. Relevant Usul Principles
الأصل في الأشياء الإباحة
The default ruling of things is permissibility.
If decoration distracts from prayer, it becomes disliked, even if permissible in itself.
ما شغل عن المقصود فهو مكروه
Whatever distracts from the intended purpose is disliked.
Final Ruling
It is permissible to pray on decorated prayer mats.
Geometric designs, plants, and inanimate objects are allowed. The designs do not need to be Islamic in nature.
However, designs that are visually distracting are disliked, and images of animate beings should be avoided.
Using a simple, minimally decorated prayer mat is better for khushu, but prayer on decorated mats remains valid.
And Allah knows best.