The ruling concerning Drawings on the Prayer Carpets

Question: Is it a condition regarding the prayer carpet that it carries religious pictures, like a picture of the two sacred Masjids (in Makkah and Al-Madinah) or a picture of some other Masjids or Qur'anic verses, etc? What is your opinion concerning the pictures that are on the width of the prayer carpet and not its length? what is the Islamic ruling regarding the permissibility or impermissibility of praying on carpets that have pictures of animals or birds and other similar things?

Answer: It is not permissible for drawings of Qur'anic verses or animals or birds to be made on the carpets that are used for prayer. This is due to what writing Qur'anic Verses on prayer carpets contains of disrespect of the Qur'an. Also, making pictures of things that have souls (i.e.,animate beings) is not permissible. It is not a condition that prayer carpets must carry religious pictures, like pictures of the two sacred Masjids or a picture of some other Masjids. Rather, this is disliked, because looking at it will distract the person who is offering prayer and this weakens the person's devotion and humility in the prayer, which is required by the Islamic law. Indeed, Allah praised those who exhibit humility and devotion (Khushu') when he said: "Verily, the believers are successful. They are those who are humble in their prayer....." (Al-Mu'minun 23:1-2) May Allah send blessings and peace upon our prophet Muhammad.

Permanent Committee for Research and Verdicts

Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol.3, p.g 38,39, DARUSSALAM.