Machine Makes Pre-Prayer Ablution Rite Hi-Tech, Green

Monday, 01 February 2010 16:55 Written by Ragel Nel

A Malaysian company is hoping that its latest invention, a machine enabling Muslims to purify themselves before prayers, will cause a big splash in especially African and Middle Eastern countries where water supplies are scarce.

AACE Technologies claims that its invention, the Auto Wudu Washer (AWW), is the world’s first automatic pre-prayer personal washing system that allows individuals to perform the Islamic pre-prayer ablution rite, the wudu, during which Muslims wash their face, arms and legs before each of the five daily prayers.

The ornate machine is not only green-coloured, but it was designed to be green in the environmentally-friendly spirit of the word too. The AWW stands 1.65 metres tall, plays recorded verses of the Islamic holy book, the Qur’an, and contains automatic sensors and basins to prevent excessive water usage and waste.

During the wudu, the AWW only uses about 1.3 litres of water, which is much less than the amounts used when it is performed with more conventional methods, during which taps are often left running throughout the duration of the cleansing ritual. The AWW will also make the wudu faster and more hygienic, since the taps are activated by water proof diffuser sensors and audio prompts and not by touch.

According to Anthony Gomez, CEO of AACE Technologies, Muslims use about 50 million litres of water a day for wudu during the Haj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. "If they introduce this machine they are saving 40 million litres per day.”

AACE has developed two versions of the device. The AWW model STD 0708 is especially designed to be wall-mounted in groups of six and be used in public spaces such as mosques, offices, airports and communal prayer rooms, while the smaller, stand-alone AWW model PRM 0707 is intended for family and private use.

Of the more than 1.7 billion Muslims in the world, the majority are located in Africa and the Middle East, where water supplies are notoriously scarce. AACE is hoping that the wealthier countries in those regions will buy the machines, which will reportedly become available within the next six months and cost between $3 000 and $4 000 apiece.

Comments (0) Add Comment