MWNUK have launched The Muslim Women’s Manifesto! Download your copy here
How The Prayer Mat Company Came To Be
3
by Shafeen Khan
Searching for something unique
Take a look at the prayer mats in your home, when and where were they made?
Most prayer mats in our homes today were designed well over 50 years ago, and the same patterns and designs are still being mass produced on repeat (most likely in sweatshops) somewhere in a developing country and circulated in Islamic shops across the world today.
Back in 2015, I was looking for a simple and unique prayer mat for my home. I searched and searched for months and found nothing I liked, so I decided to make my own.
Surely, I thought to myself that I can’t be the only Muslim on the planet who wants something different? This set the cogs in motion - should I set up a business offering Muslims, a fresh and modern alternative prayer mat? I had no experience of setting up a business, it was a big investment, a big risk and a huge learning curve, but it was a now or never moment!
I wanted to make my mats in the UK. Sure, it was cheaper in China, Turkey, etc – but I’m a proud British Muslim. I was determined to have a British product.Great idea but it won’t work!
I’d call myself a conscious consumer, always checking where things are made. Trying to support independent, small local businesses.
Sure, it was cheaper in China, Turkey, etc – but I’m a proud British Muslim. I was determined to have a British product. I travelled all over the UK, the rejection door after door was tough. Every company telling me it’s a waste of money, if there was a demand for this, someone big would have done it already. Quit whilst you’re ahead and just get a job.
I persevered for months and then one day I met a company, and they were like ok let’s try it! So, I designed a very simple plain two coloured prayer mat. Made from cotton, lamb’s wool and merino wool. I had some samples made – I was in love, they were just what I wanted. I put together a basic website and social media pages and The Prayer Mat Company was born.
There is a story behind the crafting of each prayer mat
Each prayer mat has a name - I named my prayer mats after my family members and close friends. It’s my way to identify them, there’s no name on the packaging.
Sure, it was cheaper in China, Turkey, etc – but I’m a proud British Muslim. I was determined to have a British product. I travelled all over the UK, the rejection door after door was tough. Every company telling me it’s a waste of money, if there was a demand for this, someone big would have done it already. Quit whilst you’re ahead and just get a job.
I persevered for months and then one day I met a company, and they were like ok let’s try it! So, I designed a very simple plain two coloured prayer mat. Made from cotton, lamb’s wool and merino wool. I had some samples made – I was in love, they were just what I wanted. I put together a basic website and social media pages and The Prayer Mat Company was born.
There is a story behind the crafting of each prayer mat
My prayer mat is unlike anything you have ever seen or prayed on. I began by creating premium cotton and wool prayer mats that felt soft and looked like blankets. They were lovingly manufactured in England. I hope to reintroduce these again soon. Insha’Allah.
Each prayer mat has a name - I named my prayer mats after my family members and close friends. It’s my way to identify them, there’s no name on the packaging.
But it’s not for everyone!
Having a premium product was great, but then I spotted another gap in the market. When I was at Islamic conferences people had these plastic looking travel prayer mats and a few suppliers in China had reached out offering them for 24p each. My design hat came on, I realised I needed to create something unique, so I invested in designers to help me. The only Pocket Prayer Mat I can take a tiny bit of credit for designing is the Palestine Pocket Prayer Mat. I had a vision and had it brought to life. Someone I met in the UK owned a factory in India, he sent me videos of the mats being made; his staff talking about their work and reassured me they were being ethically manufactured. These have been a huge hit Alhamdulillah!
Having a premium product was great, but then I spotted another gap in the market. When I was at Islamic conferences people had these plastic looking travel prayer mats and a few suppliers in China had reached out offering them for 24p each. My design hat came on, I realised I needed to create something unique, so I invested in designers to help me. The only Pocket Prayer Mat I can take a tiny bit of credit for designing is the Palestine Pocket Prayer Mat. I had a vision and had it brought to life. Someone I met in the UK owned a factory in India, he sent me videos of the mats being made; his staff talking about their work and reassured me they were being ethically manufactured. These have been a huge hit Alhamdulillah!
Over the years I had plenty of wins and losses. Many things went wrong, but things also went right. As the business grew, numerous suppliers contacted me wanting me to also sell their prayer mats. I had a whole variety of mats, including hand embroidered prayer mats from Kashmir through a charity who was empowering women to make them.
My prayer mat is unlike anything you have ever seen or prayed on. I began by creating premium cotton and wool prayer mats that felt soft and looked like blankets.When Covid hit business really took flight
During the pandemic business was steady, but our suppliers were closed. When things began to re-open everyone needed a prayer mat for attending the Masjid, going to Jummah and Eid Salah. Alhamdulliah, all was going great and then things got even better. I fell pregnant and before I was due, I made the decision to close the business temporarily.
Embracing the Mum life
Becoming a mum was a dream, I kept being told that lots of mums set up businesses when they have a baby because of all the free time! What free time? I was breastfeeding on demand and moved home when he was 3 months old. The next few years flew by and I decided to re-open in January. My toddler loves it - he helps me pack my orders; is with me when I’m taking pictures and videos for social media: he loves being a part of it all.
It’s 2025 and the world has changed so much!!
Everyone who bought my mats over the years, say they still use them, which is so heart-warming. But now I need to reach new people and apparently you need to be on tiktok. Hmmmm….. my amateur videos are not going viral anytime soon, so I thought I’d write this blog just for you!
Where to find us?
Visit our website www.theprayermatcompany.com or find us on Social Media and say Salaam @theprayermatco
Hajj Season is here and our Pocket Prayer Mats are ideal for gifting as they are lightweight and compact. Many of our customers have taken them to Umrah over the years!
Hajj Season is here and our Pocket Prayer Mats are ideal for gifting as they are lightweight and compact. Many of our customers have taken them to Umrah over the years!
Shafeen
Join Our Movement
Raise your voice and get connected