The Essential Prayer Mat Buying Guide
The Essential Prayer Mat Buying Guide
Your prayer mat is more than just a piece of fabric � it's the foundation of your daily salah. The right prayer mat can help you focus, stay comfortable during longer prayers, and create a personal space for worship wherever you are.
Here's everything you need to know to find the perfect one.
Types of Prayer Mats
Standard Flat Mats
The most common type. Lightweight, easy to fold, and available in countless designs. Perfect for daily use at home or carrying to the masjid.
Padded / Memory Foam Mats
Feature a cushioned layer that provides extra comfort for your knees, forehead, and feet during sujood. Ideal for:
- Elderly worshippers who need joint support
- Long prayers like Tarawih during Ramadan
- Anyone praying on hard floors
Travel Prayer Mats
Ultra-thin and compact, designed to fold into a small pouch. Some come with a built-in compass to help you find the qibla direction. Essential for travellers and commuters.
Luxury / Gift Mats
Made from premium materials like velvet or silk-blend fabrics with intricate designs. Beautiful enough to display when not in use. Perfect as Eid gifts or wedding presents.
Children's Prayer Mats
Smaller in size with colourful designs, sometimes featuring interactive elements to help young ones learn the positions of salah.
Materials Explained
| Material | Comfort | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Good | Moderate | Everyday use |
| Velvet | Excellent | Good | Home prayer |
| Memory foam | Excellent | Very good | Joint comfort |
| Polyester | Moderate | Excellent | Travel, outdoor |
| Bamboo fibre | Good | Good | Eco-conscious buyers |
| Turkish woven | Very good | Excellent | Premium daily use |
Size Guide
Prayer mats typically come in these sizes:
- Standard: 110cm x 70cm � suitable for most adults
- Large: 120cm x 80cm � for taller individuals or those who prefer extra space
- Travel: 100cm x 60cm � compact and portable
- Children's: 80cm x 50cm � sized for young worshippers
Tip: If you're over 6ft / 183cm, look for a large or extra-large mat so your feet stay on the mat during sujood.
Features to Look For
Non-Slip Backing
Essentially a must-have. A mat that slides around on wooden or tiled floors is distracting and potentially dangerous. Look for mats with a rubber or textured backing.
Thickness
- Thin (2-4mm) � Portable but minimal cushioning
- Medium (5-10mm) � Good balance of comfort and portability
- Thick (10mm+) � Maximum comfort, best for home use
Qibla Indicator
Some mats have a built-in compass or an arrow woven into the design. Useful when travelling or praying in unfamiliar locations.
Easy Care
Look for mats that are machine washable or at least easy to spot-clean. Prayer mats accumulate dust and should be cleaned regularly.
How to Care for Your Prayer Mat
- Shake it out regularly to remove dust and debris
- Spot clean stains promptly with a damp cloth
- Machine wash on a gentle cycle if the label allows (use cold water)
- Air dry flat � avoid direct sunlight which can fade colours
- Roll, don't fold when storing to prevent permanent creases
- Store in a clean, dry place � a breathable cotton bag is ideal
Choosing by Occasion
- Daily home prayer � Padded mat with non-slip backing
- Masjid visits � Lightweight flat mat, easy to carry
- Ramadan / Tarawih � Memory foam for long standing and sujood
- Travel � Compact travel mat with carrying pouch
- Gift giving � Luxury velvet mat in a gift box
- Children � Colourful, interactive design with smaller dimensions
What Makes a Good Quality Prayer Mat?
Before purchasing, check:
- Stitching quality � Edges should be bound or hemmed, not fraying
- Colour fastness � Good mats don't bleed colour when washed
- Density of weave � Tighter weave means better durability
- Odour � New mats shouldn't have a strong chemical smell
- Flatness � It should lie flat without curling at the edges
Final Thoughts
A prayer mat is a deeply personal item. Whether you prefer a simple cotton mat for its authenticity or a cushioned mat for comfort, the best choice is the one that helps you focus on your worship.
Explore our Prayer Essentials collection to find mats, tasbihs, Quran stands, and everything you need for a peaceful salah.