Prayer Rugs

212-585-1900

Prayer rugs were invented in the Middle East as part of the Islam religion. Because Islam requires that the area that a worshiper uses to pray be clean, it was practical to cover the area with a clean rug in order to be absolutely certain. Physically, prayer rugs tend to be relatively small, just large enough for an adult to kneel down or prostrate himself in prayer.

Traditionally, prayer rugs are hand-woven, and the best prayer rugs are still made by hand today. Since many people cannot afford hand-woven prayer rugs, machine-made alternatives are also produced. At Oriental Rug Care NY, we are able to clean and restore any prayer rug that you bring to us, from a centuries-old antique to a modern one made in the last few years.

The history of rugs being used for prayer and worship goes back thousands of years. Muslims adapted this tradition and created a type of rug particularly suited for the requirements of Islam. A hand-woven prayer rug is typically made from either silk or wool and tends to be no larger than 3'x 5'. Some prayer rugs are larger to accommodate multiple family members. The most distinguishing feature of a prayer rug is that there is a niche or arch at one end of the rug which is supposed to be pointed toward Mecca during prayer. The arch is usually more angular if the prayer rug was created in a smaller village, whereas the prayer rugs created in larger cities tend to be more ornate. Family prayer rugs use multiple arches, one for each family member who will use it. Some prayer rugs use other shapes as well, but it is always clear what direction the shape is pointing in. Machine-made prayer rugs also have the same arch or other shape and can be made from either silk or cotton.

The prayer rug experts at Oriental Rug Care NY can examine any prayer rug and identify its age, make, and origin, all of which is important when considering how best to clean or restore it. Different types of prayer rugs use different techniques and materials. The fibers and dyes used, as well as the method of weaving used, will be different depending on the origin of the prayer rug. No matter what type of prayer rug you own, the rug care professionals at Oriental Rug Care NY are able to clean it or restore it if it is worn or damaged. All of our employees are extensively trained in the cleaning methods used for silk rugs, wool rugs, cotton rugs, and more. We know how to repair and reweave rugs with holes, tears, or other structural damage. We offer free pick-up and delivery of your rug and accept shipping from all 50 states. If your prayer rug needs to be cleaned or restored, you can trust the prayer rug experts at Oriental Rug Care NY.

Many hand-woven prayer rugs are valuable and literally impossible to replace. If your prayer rug ever becomes stained or water-damaged, it needs to be treated immediately. Because we care so much about our customers, the rug care professionals at Oriental Rug Care NY are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to handle emergencies. If your prayer rug is in need of emergency service, call our toll-free hotline at 1-212-382-2525. No matter what time of the day or night you call, we will get our emergency rug care professionals to your house quickly. Our highest priority is your total and complete satisfaction.