The Autobiography of Malcolm X Cover Image

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

by Malcolm X, Alex Haley

Start Free Trial

Student Question

Name five ways rugs are used in Muslim culture, as learned by Malcolm X.

Quick answer:

Malcolm X learned that rugs in Muslim culture serve multiple purposes: they are primarily used for prayer, with each person having a personal prayer rug and groups using larger communal ones. Rugs are also used as dining areas when covered with a tablecloth, as seating areas during the day, as sleeping spaces at night, and as makeshift courtrooms for resolving disputes. These multifunctional uses reflect the integral role of rugs in daily Muslim life.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

In chapter 16, Malcolm X writes in detail about the different uses of rugs in the cultural life of Muslims. Each individual, he writes, has a prayer rug, and each larger group of people has a bigger, communal rug. He then points out that after using the prayer rug to pray, Muslims would place a tablecloth over the rug so that "the rug became the dining room."

After eating, a Muslim family might sit on the rug, which would thus become their living room. They might then use the rug to sleep on at night, and thus the rug would become the bedroom.

When he was in Mecca, Malcolm X writes that he discovered yet another use for the rug. He writes that whenever a dispute arose, a neutral, respected witness would sit on a rug with the persons involved in the conflict around him, thus making the rug "a courtroom."

In summary, then, Muslims can use a rug in at least five ways. Firstly, and most importantly, a rug is used for prayer. Secondly, a rug, covered with a tablecloth, can function as a place to eat. Thirdly, a rug can be used to sit on during the day. Fourthly, a rug can be used to sleep on. And fifthly, a rug can be used as a sort of makeshift courtroom.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial