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Wednesday December 3, 2008

Automated wudhu machine to help Muslims save water

Story and photo by EDWARD RAJENDRA
metro@thestar.com.my

A Malaysian inventor has created a machine that would enable Muslims to save water every time they perform the pre-prayer cleansing ritual called wudhu (ablution).

AACE Technologies Sdn Bhd chairman and CEO Anthony Gomez each machine had inbuilt washing sections for ears, face, hands and feet that allowed a Muslim to perform the cleansing ritual without water spillage.

“We also have a dual dryer for the upper limbs and the feet,” he said, adding that only 1.5 litres of water was used for the whole ritual.

Gomez said the machine was environment-friendly as it encouraged water conservation.

Eco-friendly: Gomez with the automated wudhu machine he invented.

“Water is something that is so cheap yet we take it for granted. Based on research, a Muslim will use six to nine litres of water during ablution.

“We need to conserve this life-sustaining resource,” added the former pilot.

According to Gomez, the Automated Wudhu Washer (AWW) enables an individual to perform the ablution in a standing position in full conformance to the teachings of the Quran.

“Our unit costs RM9,000 each,” he said.

Gomez plans to commercialise the AWW in four months.

He said his invention had a large potential market in countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Indonesia.

The AWW will be showcased at the Dubai Islamic Trade Exhibition on Dec 23.

Gomez added that the prototype version was tested in Dubai and technical changes were made to fit in the overall ablution process requirements.

He said the New South Wales Islamic Council, a member of the Arab Chamber of Commerce in Australia, had endorsed it.