Is it forbidden to remove the prayer marks (Zabiba) from the nose and knee, and is there sin in buying a soft prayer rug to avoid the appearance of these marks on the body?

The mark that appears on the face from prostration (sujud) is not praiseworthy in itself, nor is it desirable to keep it. It is not the mark of prostration mentioned in the verse, "Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration" (Qur'an 48:29); rather, that refers to humility and submission to Allah. Ibn Kathir mentioned the interpretations of the Salaf regarding this verse, stating that it refers to good character, humility, and modesty. The Salaf disliked the presence of this mark on the face, among them Ibn 'Umar, Abu al-Darda, al-Sha'bi, and Mujahid. Therefore, there is no harm in removing this mark from the face, nor in using a prayer rug (sajjadah) that prevents its appearance.