Source: "Ahkam wa Masail in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith", Volume 02
If the prayer mat is not made of silk, then performing prayer on it is valid but considered makruh (disliked). This is because the presence of detailed designs or images can distract the worshipper and reduce the level of humility (khushu‘) and focus in prayer.
It is narrated from ʿA’ishah (RA) that the Prophet ﷺ once performed prayer on a cloak with decorative patterns. After finishing the prayer, he remarked that it had distracted him, saying:
"Take this cloak to Abu Jahm and bring me a plain one, for it distracted me in prayer.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
In another narration, the Prophet ﷺ said:
"I was looking at its patterns during the prayer, and I feared it would distract me.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
① The prayer is valid, as the Prophet ﷺ performed prayer on a patterned cloth and did not repeat it.
② However, it is makruh because the decorations may distract the mind and reduce khushu‘ during prayer.
③ It is therefore preferable to use a plain and non-distracting prayer mat to maintain full focus and humility in worship.
❖ Ruling on Prayer Mats with Designs
If the prayer mat is not made of silk, then performing prayer on it is valid but considered makruh (disliked). This is because the presence of detailed designs or images can distract the worshipper and reduce the level of humility (khushu‘) and focus in prayer.
❖ Guidance from Hadith
It is narrated from ʿA’ishah (RA) that the Prophet ﷺ once performed prayer on a cloak with decorative patterns. After finishing the prayer, he remarked that it had distracted him, saying:
"Take this cloak to Abu Jahm and bring me a plain one, for it distracted me in prayer.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
In another narration, the Prophet ﷺ said:
"I was looking at its patterns during the prayer, and I feared it would distract me.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
✦ Summary
① The prayer is valid, as the Prophet ﷺ performed prayer on a patterned cloth and did not repeat it.
② However, it is makruh because the decorations may distract the mind and reduce khushu‘ during prayer.
③ It is therefore preferable to use a plain and non-distracting prayer mat to maintain full focus and humility in worship.
