Clean Feet = Dirty Restroom
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URL: https://www.islamicity.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=16346
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Topic: Clean Feet = Dirty Restroom
Posted By: Nanotheist
Subject: Clean Feet = Dirty Restroom
Date Posted: 13 February 2010 at 7:42am
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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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Replies:
Posted By: abuayisha
Date Posted: 14 February 2010 at 7:23am
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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. |
Posted By: Nanotheist
Date Posted: 14 February 2010 at 8:17am
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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. |
Posted By: SteppeNomad
Date Posted: 14 February 2010 at 11:01am
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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. ------------- Ya Allah, Bismillah, AllahuAkbar. |
Posted By: Nanotheist
Date Posted: 16 February 2010 at 6:11am
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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.
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Posted By: Sign*Reader
Date Posted: 20 February 2010 at 12:57am
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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!  ------------- Kismet Domino: Faith/Courage/Liberty/Abundance/Selfishness/Immorality/Apathy/Bondage or extinction. |
Posted By: Nanotheist
Date 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. |
Posted By: Nanotheist
Date Posted: 27 February 2010 at 3:34pm
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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.
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Posted By: abuayisha
Date Posted: 01 March 2010 at 11:20am
http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jul/30/nation/na-muslim30 - http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jul/30/nation/na-muslim30
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Posted By: Nanotheist
Date Posted: 01 March 2010 at 5:41pm
| Thank you for your research. Have you used facilities like the one pictured? If so, what was good and/or bad about the design? |
Posted By: SteppeNomad
Date Posted: 02 March 2010 at 6:47am
May Allah reward you for being so understanding, hope it goes well.  ------------- Ya Allah, Bismillah, AllahuAkbar. |
Nanotheist wrote:Posted By: Nanotheist
Date Posted: 02 March 2010 at 4:45pm
| Thank you. Lets hope it comes to fruition. |