The ruling on praying on the ground following the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)

Question:
I know that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray on the ground without a mat, so what is the ruling on using a prayer mat for prayer?

Answer:
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray on whatever was available to him. Sometimes he would pray on the ground without a mat, and sometimes he would pray on a mat. He (peace and blessings be upon him) did not go to the trouble of doing anything other than what was easy for him (peace and blessings be upon him). So, there is nothing wrong with praying on the ground, and there is nothing wrong with praying on a mat or a prayer rug. All of this is fine, and praise be to Allah. The matter is broad. Allah.