Is The Act Of Folding Prayer Mat Proven By Shariah?
The Query:
Generally, after performing salah, the people of the village fold their prayer mats. Is this act proven by the Shariah?
The Answer:
Imam ibn Asākir radiyAllāhu Anhu in his Tarikh narrates from Sayyiduna Jābir b. Abdullah that the Beloved Nabi ﷺ stated:
“The cursed devil uses your clothing, therefore when you remove your clothing, fold them as your work is completed because the devil cannot have access to folded clothes.”
Ibn Abi al-Duniya radiyAllāhu Anhu narrates from Sayyiduna Qais b. Abi Hāzim radiyAllāhu Anhu who promulgates:
“Wherever bedding is laid and no one sleeps on it, then the cursed devil sleeps on it.” [1]
By the virtue of these Ahadith the reality of the matter can be understood. Henceforth, it is best to fold the prayer mat (Musallah). And Almighty Allāh Knows best.
References:
Fatawa Ridawiyyah Vol. 15; Imam Ahmad Rida Khan Qadri Hanafi Maturidi.
[ English Translation ]
Mawlana Abdul Hadi Qadri Ridawi Noori.