Rug and carpet, any decorative textile normally made of a thick material and now usually intended as a floor covering. In Islam, a prayer mat is placed between the ground and the worshipper for cleanliness during the various positions of Islamic prayer. These involve prostration and sitting on the ground. A Muslim must perform wudu (ablution) before prayer, and must pray in a clean place. Indian rugs are made from various materials such as silk, woven, cotton and fur. These materials vary in texture and quality, and each has its own unique qualities that make them ideal for rug-making. Natural materials such as wool and silk will increase the price of a rug because they're strong and durable. Silk is the most expensive because it takes a lot of time and effort to extract silk from silkworms and process it into a workable material. Silk can be spun exceptionally fine and takes dyes well.