Islamic prayer rugs hold a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. These beautifully crafted rugs are not just art pieces but are deeply intertwined with the spiritual practice of Islam. In this blog post, we will delve into the history of Islamic prayer rugs and uncover the pivotal role played by the Prophet Muhammad himself and how to care for them. The History of Islamic Prayer Rugs Early Practices of Prayer in Islam To truly appreciate the significance of Islamic prayer rugs, we must first journey back to the early days of Islam. In the 7th century, when the religion was in its infancy, Muslims would perform their prayers on whatever clean surface they could find. There was no concept of a designated space for prayer, let [...]

Afghan prayer rugs are a cherished tradition in the Islamic faith. These rugs are used for daily prayers, and their intricate designs and craftsmanship make them a work of art. In this blog post, we will explore the history and meaning of Afghan prayer rugs and how you can have them cleaned by Oriental Rug Salon to preserve their beauty and significance. The History of Afghan Prayer Rugs The art of weaving rugs has a long and rich history in Afghanistan. Afghan weavers have been creating these exquisite pieces for centuries, with each rug telling a unique story of its own. The earliest known examples of Afghan prayer rugs date back to the 18th century and remain a staple in the Islamic world. The Meaning Behind Afghan Prayer Rugs Afghan [...]

It all began with the Prophet Mohammed, who prayed on a “khumrah”, a mat made of palm fronds. In Islam, a prayer mat is placed between the ground and the worshipper for cleanliness during the various positions of Islamic prayer. These involve kneeling and sitting on the rug. A Muslim must perform wudu (ablution) before worship and pray in a clean place. The primary indicator of a prayer rug is the “Mihrab” – a niche motif woven into the upper end of the rug that indicates where the devotee places one’s head during his five times a day prayer. The “mihrab” design is intended as a replica of the “qibla,” an archway in the wall of every Mosque that denotes the direction of Mecca. This motif indicates where each practitioner [...]