Prayer Rugs

Muslims use what is called a “prayer rug” during their prayers. They usually measure about one meter long and look like smaller versions of oriental carpets”. During Islamic prayers Muslims bow and knell in humility before god. There is one requirement, and this is that the prayers are conducted in clean areas. They are not used all over and are not required in Islam but they help to make sure the cleanliness of where they pray. They are often brightly colored and geometric or floral patterns. When it is prayer time the worshiper lays the rug down and points the top towards Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

-MM

http://islam.about.com/od/prayer/f/prayer_rugs.htm