Short answer
Yes, when there is a need, such as illness, a cough, allergies or a masjid's health rule. Without a need, covering the mouth and nose in prayer is makruh tahrimi in the Hanafi school, because the Prophet ﷺ forbade a man covering his mouth in prayer. Your forehead and nose should still rest on the ground in sajdah; a thin mask over the nose does not stop the sajdah counting.
Covering the mouth (and nose) during salah without need is makruh tahrimi. With a real need, such as protecting others from infection, protecting yourself, or a rule set by the masjid or authorities, there is no dislike. Prostrating with a thin cloth between the nose and the ground is valid.
The four schools agree on this.
Explanation
Abu Hurayrah reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade letting the garment hang loose in prayer (sadl) and forbade a man covering his mouth. Scholars explained that covering the mouth hinders clear recitation and resembles the practice of some non-Muslims in their worship. The four schools agree that covering the mouth in prayer without need is disliked.
When a mask is fine:
- You have a cold, cough or infection and do not want to spread it.
- You are vulnerable and need protection in a crowd.
- The masjid or local health rules require masks.
- Strong allergies, dust or smoke.
In these cases there is no dislike at all, and your prayer is complete.
How to pray with one:
- Make sure your forehead touches the ground in sajdah; a mask does not cover it.
- The nose may rest on the mask cloth: prostrating on a cloth you are wearing is valid.
- Recite clearly; a mask does not change what you must pronounce.
- Take it off when the need has passed, for example when praying alone at home and healthy.
Women wearing niqab: in the Hanafi school a woman may keep her face covered in prayer when non-mahram men can see her; otherwise she uncovers it. See can a woman pray in public. For other disliked acts, see what is makruh in salah.
The evidence
Sunan Abi Dawud 643
Grading to be checked... نهى عن السدل في الصلاة وأن يغطي الرجل فاه ...
"He forbade letting the garment hang loose in prayer, and a man covering his mouth."
Covering the mouth in prayer without need is disliked.
Where the ruling is recorded
- al-Durr al-Mukhtar, Kitab al-Salah, chapter on what is disliked in the prayer. Covering the mouth and nose in prayer is makruh tahrimi unless for need.
- Radd al-Muhtar (Ibn Abidin), Kitab al-Salah, chapter on what is disliked in the prayer. Prostrating on a garment one is wearing is valid; the dislike lifts with need.
Checked by our team. For a more accurate answer to your own situation, consult a scholar. Quran translation by Sahih International. Hadith Arabic from the standard editions of the six books and the Muwatta, with gradings as recorded there; the English is our own rendering. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.