Praying in public is often thought of as being intimidating, especially when you’re a traveller far from home. The act of prayer is usually done in discreet, for the quiet is preferred for us to focus on the task at hand. But sometimes, we don’t have access to designated prayer spaces and will have to make do with praying in public.
1. Know the prayer timings and plan your day around them
2. Use web guides and mobile apps to search for prayer spaces
There are also a few web guides available that are officially curated by the destination's own government to help make travelling more Muslim-friendly! Here is one on Kyoto, Japan and another on Jeju Island, South Korea that informs you on halal eateries and prayer areas you can stop by! These resources are easy to find online so be sure to be thorough in your planning so your next prayer in public would come with ease☺️
3. Visit the local mosque
4. Look out for multi-faith halls
5. Request to pray in Muslim-owned establishments
If you’re having lunch at a halal eatery or shopping in a Muslim-owned shop, try starting with a Salaam and politely ask the shop owners if they could offer you a small secluded corner for you to do your prayers. They are likely to oblige to your request, knowing the importance of keeping to the prayer schedule themselves☺️ However, don’t take offense if they do not! It could be space constraints or a busy hour at the shop, and it's probably not that they don't want accommodate you but that they cannot.
6. Changing room hacks
Praying in fitting rooms have been a go-to for many Muslims. Under the guise of trying something on, head to a fitting room and perform your prayers in moderate privacy of a public space?
A quick tip: if the shop is fairly unoccupied, you can consider being upfront with the fitting room attendant that you intend to pray. It would give you a peace of mind knowing you’ve made your intention clear and the attendant would not be knocking on your door, checking if you’re okay while you’re trying to focus on your prayers. Who knows, you might even be given the largest fitting room to accommodate your request!
Another common public space to pray would be nursing rooms and staircases. If you’re alone, do take care to keep your valuables within view!
7. Be considerate of areas with heavy human traffic
When you do have to pray in an open public space, it's good to be mindful of other users and not pray in a heavy pedestrian-traffic area. This is also to avoid someone accidentally knocking over you!
Note: There are some places which do not allow public displays of religion so, in these places, you would not be permitted to pray in public at all.
8. Choose to travel light and conveniently
When you’re out and about, it is best to be prepared and carry your own set of prayer garment and a travel prayer mat. This way, if you do have to pray in an open public space like in point 7, you’ll have something clean to rest your head upon. For ladies, a one-piece telekung is a definite must for its sheer convenience!Travel prayer mats come in a variety of sizes and materials so there's definitely one to fit your preference. We recommend going for a waterproof, pocket-sized one that is durable and light which makes for easy packing! Some even come with a compass so figuring out the Qiblat would be much easier☺️
9. Remember your intention
Praying in public can create some memorable experiences, whether it's your first time or in a foreign place. It may feel scary at first but take comfort in knowing that prayers are meant to ease our lives and normalising praying in public could certainly strengthen that faith, insyaAllah!
