The five pillars of Islam are a code that Muslims are to observe in their lifetimes. Acting as the foundation of Islam, these pillars include, taking an oath, fasting, donating, traveling for pilgrimage, as well as praying five times a day. Throughout history, a janamaz, or a prayer mat was used for praying. Originally meant to act as a clean surface, the janamaz has grown to also be a pallet of aesthetic creativity. With a kaleidoscope of colors and exotic threads depicting famous mosques and holy locations, janamazs have become a piece of art in many households.
However, the janamazs in my family represents so much more than art- specifically, our green janamaz. It was the janamaz that I’ve always wanted to pray on as a child because of the beautiful green and red patterned border and the colorful depiction of minarets and of the Kabah. My family has used that janamaz to pray, on special days like Eid as well as on ordinary days. But this janamaz serves as a ticket to my past. Though I don’t have many memories of my grandfather, sometimes I think of how he would pray on it. I remember the distinct scent that it had after my grandfather prayed on it because of his strong ittr, or perfume. I like to think that the green janamaz felt softer back then because over the years it has accumulated tears, lost many threads and generally has worn out. Perhaps the tears are a tangible representation of the hardships of my parents’ immigrations from Bangladesh to America as well as our migrations from New York to New Jersey and back.
Though the green janamaz has traveled with our family for all my life and most of my parent’s life, I am starting to see my parents use this janamaz less and less. From choosing janamazs that are not worn out to avoid embarrassment, to using new janamazs that are softer, my family seems to be moving on. But I am not! The green janamaz has a new home; my bedroom and it will always be used there, even if the family doesn’t want to. . Hopefully my little sister can see me use it and one day contemplate the importance that the janamaz had on the family. 
