Assessment of Ablution Water Consumption in Mosques

Abstract

In Muslim majority countries, like those of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), ablution is a necessary component to fulfil religious commitments of prayer, thus a significant amount of water is consumed on daily basis with minimal efforts and measures to manage or conserve that water use. This study aims to highlight the importance of redesigning the appliances in the Mosque for ablution purposes to save scarce water. The study assesses the water usage during ritual ablution (wudu- following Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) way) in the Mosques of Oman. The findings from this study can have a global impact, as it can set an example for GCC countries as well as other countries all over the world where ablution is being practiced. Total consumption per capita for performing ritual ablution was measured using the normal tap, sensor tap, and pot. The study found that 7 L is being used while using normal and sensor taps of water per ablution while it could be done with 0.6 L of water. The major conclusion of the study is that current water consumption for ablution in Oman is around 8 times more than that of following Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) way during ablution. Special taps that conserve water and suit the purpose of ablution have to be designed.