Clean Feet = Dirty Restroom

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   Respectfully, I would like to address the practice of foot-washing in the restrooms at the local learning center. What dismays me is the incredible mess which some Muslim women leave behind in the lavatory. (I do not know about the men)

I respect the requirement for cleaning oneself before prayer.  Lacking facilities which specifically accommodate the task, I understand the trouble Muslims must endure by washing their feet in the bathroom sinks. However, the excessive water and (for some reason) litter left in their wake defies logic. I am not Muslim, but I imagine this behavior is not encouraged within Islam.

So what can I do to get the message across politely to those responsible? I thought perhaps a couple of unobtrusive signs in the sink area could encourage the faithful to clean-up after cleaning up. Perhaps a related quotation from the Quran would suffice. As it is, the untidiness does not reflect favorably on them or their faith.

Thank you for your feedback.

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Nanotheist Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Male Joined: 12 February 2010 Status: Offline Points: 11	Post Options Post Reply Quote Nanotheist Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Clean Feet = Dirty Restroom Posted: 13 February 2010 at 7:42am
	Respectfully, I would like to address the practice of foot-washing in the restrooms at the local learning center. What dismays me is the incredible mess which some Muslim women leave behind in the lavatory. (I do not know about the men) I respect the requirement for cleaning oneself before prayer. Lacking facilities which specifically accommodate the task, I understand the trouble Muslims must endure by washing their feet in the bathroom sinks. However, the excessive water and (for some reason) litter left in their wake defies logic. I am not Muslim, but I imagine this behavior is not encouraged within Islam. So what can I do to get the message across politely to those responsible? I thought perhaps a couple of unobtrusive signs in the sink area could encourage the faithful to clean-up after cleaning up. Perhaps a related quotation from the Quran would suffice. As it is, the untidiness does not reflect favorably on them or their faith. Thank you for your feedback.

abuayisha Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Muslim Joined: 05 October 1999 Location: Los Angeles Status: Offline Points: 5105	Post Options Post Reply Quote abuayisha Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14 February 2010 at 7:23am
	Seems to me that public restrooms in general are an incredible mess, save those with maintenance throughout the day. Maintenance and cleaning crews have the necessary clothing and gloves to protect themselves from harmful germs in public restrooms. I certainly wouldn't encourage or expect the general public to clean water from floors or basins. I hate even touching the door knob to exit. Often times these restrooms don't even have paper towels to make a quick wipe around the basin, which I commonly do when flying. So I would suggest management attending to a public facility. By the way, I think excess water from foot-washing is minor compared to potty-training of some adults who use public facilities.

Nanotheist Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Male Joined: 12 February 2010 Status: Offline Points: 11	Post Options Post Reply Quote Nanotheist Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14 February 2010 at 8:17am
	Thank you for your response. It is true that restrooms are dirty by definition. Still, I feel as if there may be a misunderstanding. The mess I am referring to is not general debris. It may simply be considered acceptable by those responsible. Personally, I feel obligated to treat public spaces as though I am a guest. I do not expect others to clean up after me. It may be wishful thinking, but I like to think a resolution is possible.

SteppeNomad Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 08 July 2009 Status: Offline Points: 292	Post Options Post Reply Quote SteppeNomad Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14 February 2010 at 11:01am
	Salam, Nano In return, may I ask, how do you know its left over by Muslims??? in a public washroom? unless it caters specifically as a washing up area for Muslims. Cleanliness is a important part of Islam, infact very important, hence the one reason of ablution in the first place. Im sure most are very clean, but washrooms get used frequently so understandably there is a mess of some sort, as the bro Abuyisha said. If it only carters for Muslims, then id suggest you place a reminder, something like "wasting water in Islam is Harram" And "Cleanliness is a half your Imaan", i saw many such notices in places i went. But id reco a general notice, just saying, alot of people use the washroom, please be clean as possible, that would not offend anyone. Little note: dont add a Quranic text inside the toilet areas, it will be offensive. Also if it is a public wash room, then i suggest u reconsider your thoughts about Muslims. Edited by SteppeNomad - 14 February 2010 at 11:04am
	Ya Allah, Bismillah, AllahuAkbar.

Nanotheist Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Male Joined: 12 February 2010 Status: Offline Points: 11	Post Options Post Reply Quote Nanotheist Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 16 February 2010 at 6:11am
	Thank you for responding. It is indeed a public restroom. The mess I refer to is a direct result of the foot washing. I am not trying to be inflammatory. The truth is nobody is perfect. The real problem is the lack of facilities in a school with a large population of Muslims. I appreciate your thoughtful advice.

Sign*Reader Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 02 November 2005 Status: Offline Points: 3352	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sign*Reader Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 February 2010 at 12:57am
	As long as this discussion is still open I would like to add my two cents after my wandering with the family last week! The discussion of pros and cons to wudu in malls and hotels on the way came up and here are my findings... I think it is a hazardous practice using public bathrooms for feet washing particularly with the ADA configuration in height and some auto faucets (It is more than home style) ... a short or old person with joint issues can slip and fall unless very careful! Recommend Muslims be creative when going out.. 1. Wudu before leaving living quarters. 2. Wear socks made of some impermeable materiel or leather and wipe over just in case. 3. If no socks use wet paper towel to wipe feet. or 4. Have a plastic water bottle handy and rinse feet over the toilet bowl! It better to be safe than sorry unless have a good insurance for hip procedure! Finally with State budgetary fiasco all the rest stops were found closed and people were seen using road side for the call of nature! What a sign of great progress! Edited by Sign*Reader - 01 March 2010 at 8:46pm
	Kismet Domino: Faith/Courage/Liberty/Abundance/Selfishness/Immorality/Apathy/Bondage or extinction.

Nanotheist Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Male Joined: 12 February 2010 Status: Offline Points: 11	Post Options Post Reply Quote Nanotheist Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 February 2010 at 1:49am
	Great addition to the conversation! The precarious washing in the sink does seem to be dangerous. The creative suggestions you offer seem very practical.

Nanotheist Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Male Joined: 12 February 2010 Status: Offline Points: 11	Post Options Post Reply Quote Nanotheist Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 27 February 2010 at 3:34pm
	Update: The staff membeers at the school have agreed that improved facilities could make the restrooms more comfortable for all students. In particular, if I can provide them with a bid for installing an area for washing feet, they would be willing to consider it. My first thought is to replace one of the three sinks with such a wash station. In this manner, there would be no need for running additional plumbing lines. I am also considering approaching the leaders of the Muslim community in the area to see if they could contribute funds to help complete this project. I am very interested in what members of this forum have to say about this new development, and about my ideas. Thank you for your considerate replies.