What is the ruling on praying on a prayer rug or a mat specifically designated for prayer?

According to the majority of jurists, including Al-Shafi'i, Abu Hanifa, and Ahmad, it is permissible to pray and prostrate on carpets and rugs, based on hadiths indicating that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, prayed on bedding, carpets, mats, and small prayer mats (khumra). Despite this, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, his companions, and those who followed them used to pray and prostrate directly on the ground without using a designated prayer rug. It was narrated that Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz preferred praying on the ground, and Imam Malik considered spreading a prayer rug in the mosque an innovation. Therefore, there is no harm in praying on existing bedding. It is permissible to spread a prayer rug out of necessity, such as extreme heat or cold. However, it is disliked to designate a rug specifically for prayer, or to spread it over an already laid carpet, or for the imam alone without the congregants. Praying on the ground is more preferable, superior, and conducive to humility.