How the Interactive Prayer Mat Is Supporting SEN Children at Bilal Academy
At My Salah Mat, we are passionate about making Salah accessible for all — especially for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). We recently spoke with Bilal Academy, a UK-based charity that runs two SEN classes for Muslim children, and their feedback deeply moved us.
Bilal Academy offers two dedicated SEN groups: one for younger children aged 4–7/8 and another for older children aged 8–12. We had the pleasure of speaking with Moulana Saifuddin Luddi, one of the SEN teachers at Bilal Academy, who kindly shared how the Interactive Prayer Mat has helped their students — and his insights highlight just how impactful inclusive learning tools can be in an Islamic setting.
Why SEN Children Need Special Tools for Salah
For many Muslim children with SEN, learning Salah can be challenging. Understanding the steps, memorising words, and staying focused throughout prayer often requires a tailored approach. That’s where the Interactive Salah Mat comes in.
“An interactive Salah mat can provide substantial benefits for a Muslim child with Special Educational Needs in several ways.”
1. Engaging SEN Learners Through Multisensory Features
Children with special needs often respond better to multisensory tools. The mat includes lights, sounds, and visual prompts to keep learners engaged and focused.
“This multisensory approach can be particularly helpful for SEN children who may respond better to interactive learning tools.”
These features help transform Salah into an experience that feels exciting and achievable.
2. Providing Structure and Routine in Salah
Prayer involves a sequence of steps that can be confusing for SEN learners. The mat provides step-by-step audio guidance, helping children follow along without feeling overwhelmed.
“A mat that outlines each step can provide necessary structure and consistency.”
The consistency the mat offers is especially important for children who rely on routine to feel calm and confident.
3. Supporting Visual and Auditory Learners
The Interactive Prayer Mat is designed to cater to different learning styles. It includes visual icons, colour-coded positions, and spoken prompts, making it suitable for both visual and auditory learners.
“The use of illustrations and symbols supports understanding of prayer movements and postures.”
This approach helps SEN children learn the meanings and actions of Salah in a way that suits their unique needs.
4. Encouraging Independence in Worship
One of the most empowering aspects of the mat is that it allows children to practise on their own, in their own time.
“It fosters a sense of ownership over their religious practice.”
This independence builds confidence and gives children a sense of personal connection to Salah.
5. Promoting Inclusion in Islamic Learning
SEN learners deserve tools that respect their religious identity and learning needs. Bilal Academy beautifully highlighted this:
“Having tools that cater to their needs while respecting their faith promotes a sense of belonging.”
By using the mat, children feel included in both the classroom and the wider Muslim community.
Making Faith Accessible to Every Child
At My Salah Mat, we are honoured that our product plays a role in Bilal Academy’s work. Their dedication to inclusive Islamic education is inspiring. May Allah ﷻ bless their efforts and continue to make it easy for every child to grow in their love for Salah. Ameen.
Support Bilal Academy’s Incredible Work
We are honoured that our product is part of Bilal Academy’s journey in creating accessible, meaningful Islamic education for all children. If you'd like to learn more or support their efforts, you can visit their website and social media pages below:
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