The amazing features of the hi-tech prayer mats at the two Holy Mosques

In recent years, technology has made its way into every aspect of our lives, and prayer is no exception. At the two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina, the traditional prayer mats have been replaced with hi-tech prayer mats that come equipped with amazing features.

These new prayer mats have been designed to make the pilgrims’ prayer experience more comfortable and convenient. The hi-tech mats come equipped with sensors that detect the exact location of the pilgrim on the mat, ensuring that they are facing the right direction towards the Kaaba in Mecca. This is particularly helpful for non-Arabic-speaking pilgrims who may not be familiar with the direction of the Qiblah.

In addition to the directional sensors, the mats are also equipped with temperature sensors that ensure that the mats are not too hot or too cold for the pilgrims to use. This is especially important during the hot summer months in Saudi Arabia, where temperatures can soar to over 40 degrees Celsius. According to Al-Arabiya News, there are 25,000 such mats in Masjid-e-Nabawi, each with RFID chips linked to an electronic system with information about the carpets’ manufacture date, use history, location, and timing of washing.

The mats also come with a built-in audio system that plays recitations of the Quran and other Islamic prayers. This allows the pilgrims to follow along with the prayers without having to carry a separate audio player or book. The audio system is also available in different languages, making it accessible to pilgrims from all over the world.

The Makkah’s director of carpet cleaning, Jaber Ahmed Al-Wada’ani, revealed to Arab News last year that the production of the new floor coverings took 11 months. “In the past, the carpets of the Makkah Grand Mosque used to be imported from Germany, Belgium, and Lebanon for so many years. From 1999 to 2000, carpet importing was stopped, and the first batch of carpets was established in the Makkah factory,” he said. “These carpets are made from 100 percent pure acrylic yarn. The pile weighs 400 grams, and its height reaches 14 millimeters. The total height of one carpet is 16 millimeters.”

“These carpets are made from 100 percent pure acrylic yarn. The pile weighs 400 grams, and its height reaches 14 millimeters. The total height of one carpet is 16 millimeters,” Al-Wada’ani said. With their distinctive moss green tone, the carpets go through several washing operations during the year as the laundry supplies the Grand Mosque with 2,000 clean carpets a week.

The first 14 batches of the Makkah carpets made in Saudi Arabia had the same technical specifications. However, they were made with a red tone. Later, green was adopted, and this colour became the standard hue for carpets across both mosques.

Another impressive feature of these hi-tech mats is their ability to disinfect themselves. The mats are equipped with ultraviolet (UV) lights that sanitize the surface of the mat after each use, ensuring that they are free from germs and bacteria. This is particularly important in a place where millions of people come to pray every year, and the risk of infections is high.

The high-tech prayer mats have been equipped with a radio-frequency identification (RFID) system to facilitate the worshippers while praying. Around 25,000 of these mats placed in Masjid-e-Nabawi, have an RFID chip installed which is linked to an electronic system. This system contains information about the carpets’ manufacture date, use history, location, and timing of washing. The RFID system helps the authorities to identify and automate the process of identification of such mat which needs cleaning and washing at their due time.

The hi-tech mats have been well-received by the pilgrims, who appreciate the convenience and comfort that they offer. The mats are available for use at both the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.

In conclusion, the introduction of hi-tech prayer mats at the two Holy Mosques in Saudi Arabia is a testament to the country’s commitment to providing the best possible experience for the millions of pilgrims who visit the holy sites every year. The sensors, audio system, temperature control, and disinfectant features make these mats a game-changer in the world of prayer, and they are sure to make the pilgrimage experience even more memorable and meaningful for the pilgrims.

In the past, the carpets of the Makkah Grand Mosque used to be imported from Germany, Belgium, and Lebanon for many years. However, as of 1999 to 2000, carpet importing was ceased, and the first batch of carpets was established in the Makkah factory, according to Al-Wada’ani.