Definition
Sajjadah (Arabic: سجادة, Turkish: seccade, Persian: سجاده, Urdu: سجدہ) refers to a prayer rug used by Muslims primarily during the five daily prayers, referred to as Salat. Its dimensions are approximately 1 by 1.5 meters, and modern versions include a compass marking Qibla, the direction towards Mecca.
Etymology
The word “sajjadah” is derived from the Arabic root “س-ج-د” (s-j-d) which denotes the action “to prostrate” or “to perform sujood.” The term emphasizes the importance of prostration within Islamic rituals.
Background and Historical Facts
The use of the prayer rug can be traced back to the early Islamic period, with the significance of cleanliness and sanctity during prayer emphasized in Hadith literature. Over centuries, craftsmen from various Islamic cultures, including Persia, Turkey, and the Indian subcontinent, have contributed unique designs and motifs to these rugs.
In Sufism, the sajjadah bears additional spiritual responsibilities. Sufi scholars receive the prayer rug of their predecessors as symbols of continued guidance and authority.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
While the basic concept remains the same, several cultural nuances distinguish sajjadahs across different Islamic societies:
- Turkey: Known for intricate kilim weavings and symmetrical designs featuring mosques and gardens.
- Iran: Famous for elaborate floral and paisley patterns, often reflecting Persian art.
- Pakistan and India: Mixtures of geometric patterns and motifs influenced by Mughal architecture.
- Indonesia: Colored and designed with batik styles, featuring Southeast Asian cultural representations.
Synonyms and Antonyms
- Synonyms: Prayer Mat, Namaz Mat, Takht-i-Salay (Persian)
- Antonyms: Common Rug, General Carpet (rugs not used specifically for religious purposes)
Related Terms
- Salat: The term for Islamic prayer performed five times daily.
- Qibla: The direction a Muslim prays facing towards Mecca.
- Sufism: A mystical form of Islam practicing spiritual aspects and teachings.
Exciting Facts
- Prayer rugs can have talismanic symbols like the ‘Tree of Life,’ symbolizing growth and eternity.
- Some advanced sajjadahs have built-in sensors that light up indicating the Qibla direction.
Quotations
“During prayer, one’s spirit literally rises from the earth like the sacred tree whose roots pull water upwards.”
— Nahid Motii, Islamic Art Historiographer
Suggested Literature
Books
- “Islamic Art and Spirituality” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “The Calligrapher’s Garden” by Riadel Miadia
Articles
- “Prayer Rugs of the Sultan: The Ottoman Tradition” in Islamic Arts Magazine
- “Kneeling on Art: The Dynamics of Influence and Creation in Prayer Carpets” in Art of Islamic Studies Journal
Inspirational Farewell
Embrace the spirituality and heritage inscribed in each thread of the sajjadah, which not only transforms floors into sanctified spaces but also defines the continuum of Islamic tradition and artistry.
