Resolution No.(70): “Praying on an Electronic Prayer Mat which Shows the Number of Prostrations and Rakhas“
Date: 25/8/1424 AH corresponding to 21/10/2003 AD.
The Board received the following question:
What is the ruling of Islamic Sharia on praying on an electronic prayer mat shows the number of prostrations and Rakahs (unit of prayer)?
Answer: All success is due to Allah.
The Board is of the view that a Muslim inflicted with repeated forgetfulness is allowed to use such a mat while praying solely in case of necessity.
However, if his forgetfulness wasn`t repeated, then it is disliked for him to use it because it affects his Kushu` (humble submissiveness) during prayer, and because prostration of forgetfulness is lawful. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: ”When any one of you is in doubt about his prayer and he doesn`t know how much he has prayed, three or four (rak'ahs), he should cast aside his doubt and base his prayer on what he is sure of, then perform two prostrations before giving salutations. If he has prayed five rak'ahs, they will make his prayer an even number for him, and if he has prayed exactly four, they will be humiliation for the devil.” {Muslim}. And Allah Knows Best.