Taken from: "Ahkam wa Masail in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith", Volume 02
Is it permissible to have carpets in the mosque that contain images of animals or decorative patterns? Do such designs affect the validity or focus of the prayer?
You have pointed out the presence of images on the carpet in Jamia Masjid Chowk Niyain, and others before you have raised the same concern. Praise be to Allah, the mosque administration had already intended to replace these patterned carpets with plain ones.
A narration from the life of the Prophet ﷺ supports this concern. Once, the Prophet ﷺ prayed facing a cloth that had patterns, and afterwards, he removed it, as it distracted his attention. This Hadith shows that it is preferable to avoid anything in prayer that diverts the attention of the worshiper.
In response to the concerns raised, the administration has promptly removed the patterned carpets and replaced them with plain mats. Furthermore, a commitment has been made that no future carpets in the mosque will include patterns, floral designs, or images.
Similarly, Masjid Aamna Super Asia has also been provided with plain, distraction-free prayer mats to maintain focus during worship.
① Carpets with images or intricate patterns can cause distraction during prayer and are best avoided in the mosque.
② The Prophet ﷺ's action of removing patterned cloths during prayer serves as a guideline to maintain concentration in salah.
③ Plain carpets or mats are preferred for mosque flooring to uphold the sanctity and focus of worship.
Wallāhu Aʿlam.
❀ Question:
Is it permissible to have carpets in the mosque that contain images of animals or decorative patterns? Do such designs affect the validity or focus of the prayer?
❀ Answer:
You have pointed out the presence of images on the carpet in Jamia Masjid Chowk Niyain, and others before you have raised the same concern. Praise be to Allah, the mosque administration had already intended to replace these patterned carpets with plain ones.
✿ Prophetic Practice:
A narration from the life of the Prophet ﷺ supports this concern. Once, the Prophet ﷺ prayed facing a cloth that had patterns, and afterwards, he removed it, as it distracted his attention. This Hadith shows that it is preferable to avoid anything in prayer that diverts the attention of the worshiper.
✦ Implementation:
In response to the concerns raised, the administration has promptly removed the patterned carpets and replaced them with plain mats. Furthermore, a commitment has been made that no future carpets in the mosque will include patterns, floral designs, or images.
Similarly, Masjid Aamna Super Asia has also been provided with plain, distraction-free prayer mats to maintain focus during worship.
✔ Summary:
① Carpets with images or intricate patterns can cause distraction during prayer and are best avoided in the mosque.
② The Prophet ﷺ's action of removing patterned cloths during prayer serves as a guideline to maintain concentration in salah.
③ Plain carpets or mats are preferred for mosque flooring to uphold the sanctity and focus of worship.
Wallāhu Aʿlam.
