Is It an Innovation to Use a Prayer Rug?

Answered by Ustadha Shaista Maqbool

Question: I used to use a prayer mat without question since we grew up using it, but recently I’ve heard people saying that it is not necessary or even that it is bida’a! Can you please delineate the rulings and benefits/detriments of using a prayer rug throughout the madhabs?

Answer: Wa’alaikum assalaam warahmatu Allah,

No, it is not a bid’ah (blameworthy innovation) to use a prayer rug.

In Sahih Bukhari:

“The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah upon him) used to pray on a small mat of palm leaves.”

Rather, it is mentioned that it is better to use a prayer mat as a precaution measure in places one suspects to be filthy.

wasalaam,

Shaista Maqbool

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani