Is it permissible to perform prayer on mats made of wool, hair, or fur, or on clothes made of cotton or linen?

Chapter on Praying with Impurity and Other Matters

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 1 · Bab 8

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is permissible to perform prayer on mats made of wool, hair, or fur, as well as on clothing made of cotton, linen, and all other pure materials. This view is held by the general populace of scholars, and was practiced by companions such as Umar, Ibn Abbas, Zayd ibn Thabit, Jabir, Ali, and Ibn Mas'ud, who prayed on various types of mats and woven materials. The definitive position is that there is no objection to praying on any of these materials. Evidence for this includes the Prophet (peace be upon him) praying on a mat in the house of Uthban ibn Malik and Anas, as agreed upon by both major narrators of Hadith. Furthermore, Mughira ibn Shu'bah narrated that the Prophet prayed on a mat and tanned fur. Another narration indicates the Prophet prayed wrapped in a cloak, placing his hand on it when prostrating. This is permissible because anything whose use in prayer is not disliked is permissible to pray upon, such as linen and woven palm leaves.

Supporting text

A narration attributed to Jabir expressed dislike for praying on anything derived from animals, preferring items made from the earth's plants. Imam Malik held a similar view but permitted praying on wool or hair mats provided the prostration occurred directly upon the earth.