[Q 351] Prayer Rugs With Names On Them

Question

Is it permissible to have prayer mats on which they have the couple’s names.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
الجواب بعون الملك الوهاب اللهم هداية الحق والصواب

Answer

Although praying on such prayer rugs is permissible, it is better to avoid using them. According to Islamic teachings, all letters, regardless of the language, are worthy of veneration.
When names are etched onto a prayer rug, there is always a fear of disrespecting those names, such as stepping on them or sitting on them, especially when the names are connected to revered religious personalities. This increases the gravity of ensuring respect even more.
Additionally, another issue may arise, which is that the writing may distract the person praying as he looks upon the writing during prayer, affecting his concentration and devotion, whereas Islamic Law commands that we avoid anything that hinders our concentration and devotion in prayer.

Answered By: Usman Madani (Askmufti scholar)
Verified By: Mufti Sajid Attari
Translated Answer
Date: 28th May, 2024