Personal Rug Patterns

crayola supplies

Twistables®
Construction Paper

household supplies

none

Why

Make a beautiful replica of the intricate designs found on Muslim prayer mats.

Steps

1. Muslims engage in the communal prayer ritual (Salah) five times a day. They are called to pray at dawn, mid-day, afternoon, after sunset, and at night. Besides standing, you bow and touch the ground with your forehead. Prayers are said facing towards Mecca, considered to be the first house of worship.
2. While Muslims believe that it is best to pray within a mosque, prayers may take place anywhere that is clean, dignified, and large enough to make the worship movements.
3. A tradition of luxurious prayer rugs may have started with a humble rattan mat. Many prayer rugs are woven in the Persian rug tradition, although they are smaller in size. The design often is not symmetrical but has a direction. In addition to Islamic designs there are often flowers (representing paradise) in the design.
4. What Islamic motifs appeal to you? Experiment with them on a replica rug. Draw your ideas with Crayola Twistables®. Include a central motif, borders, and intricate patterns. Capture the unique colors of these beautiful rugs!

When & Where

"We saw men praying in the airport, and realized it was a powerful way to connect with other believers around the world."
- Chianna P., mother of 12-year-old.

"This activity was welcomed by our Muslim and non-Muslim families alike."
- Adnan H., volunteer PTO parent.

Interesting Info

Because sunrise and sunset moves across the face of the Earth, the times that Muslims pray moves as well. There is never a moment when someone is not praying towards Mecca.