I have a friend in the military who is sending home prayer rugs for our children to play with as magic carpets. Is it disrespectful for children to play on a prayer rug? If so, I won't let them. Thank you!
2007-11-21 07:03:49 · 12 answers · asked by Honesty given here! 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Cna I get a Muslim to answer this question please?
2007-11-21 09:29:08 · update #1
Why don't you ask your friend how the merchants react when he says what he wants the little rugs for? I think it's OK, prayer rugs are just a small carpet that the faithful kneel on to pray. In Turkey at least, which is the only Middle Eastern country I've visited, the rugs aren't sanctified in the way that religious icons are among Christians, and similar small rugs are used to carpet homes and shops.
2007-11-21 08:20:13 · answer #1 · answered by noname 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
These rugs may have been designed for prayer but they are not blessed or consecrated or anything like that and for the most part serve a utilitarian purpose.
The people who use them will kneel and prostrate on them, so I don't think they will be kneeling on top of sacred images. If the rug has some history or is of an especially ornate design, then it probably won't be cheap enough for him to send of to a child as a plaything.
I think he should keep sending these souvenirs, the children will enjoy them and maybe get a glimpse of another culture. If he decides to buy a Koran then he should treat that with respect.
2007-11-21 09:38:23 · answer #2 · answered by maxnull 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Looks to me like a prayer rug.
2016-04-05 02:13:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's just a rug!!!! If it was someone's personal prayer rug then, yes it would be offensive. The rugs sent to you have never been used by someone as a prayer rug so let the kids play!
2007-11-21 11:25:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Some of the most beautiful rugs in the world come from the Middle East. People use rugs that are normally used for prayer for entryway rugs, rugs under their dining room table, etc. It is not disrespectful to use them and enjoy their beauty.
2007-11-21 07:11:41 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I think it's disrespectful. It's not a problem if he finds some sort of cheap Iraqi rug to send back, but prayer rugs are a sign of someone else's religion.
Otherwise it would be the equivalent of using a Bible as a coaster, or to prop open a door.
2007-11-21 09:08:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
I think most are just rugs of a certain size that most Moslem's happen to use for that purpose. Just like a cushion made to kneel on in church would be just a cushion if you happened to like the size & shape, bought a new one at the store & put it on the couch. It's not an artifact in itself.
If there's any writing on it or any decoration that looks like religious symbols, then perhaps it would be more specifically religious. If you're concerned, ask your friend to look for a pretty but 'generic' design!
2007-11-21 11:59:03 · answer #7 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would think it is okay. But if you are uncomfortable about it, don't use it.
It certainly wouldn't be okay, if a prayer rug that is already being "used for prayers" is used this way ofcourse.
2007-11-21 07:11:06 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That would be akin to having Muslim children play with a crucifix along with their GI-Joes. Or, having a statue of the Buddha played with as a toy. Same thing as wearing a rosary as jewelry. Not cool.
2007-11-21 08:47:19 · answer #9 · answered by HooliganGrrl 5 · 2⤊ 4⤋
Lmao
2007-11-21 07:43:43 · answer #10 · answered by huckleberryjoe 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋