The Ergonomics of the Islamic Ablution: Exploring Considerations for the Elderly in the Mosque



Sarah Aliya Che Hasbi(1*), Sufian Hamat(2),

(1) Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design, International Islamic University Malaysia
(2) Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design, International Islamic University Malaysia
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract


A general observation on the state and condition of the ablution area at some mosques in the country has pictured the place as slippery and unsafe and not properly used and maintained.  This has led to the assumptions that the design of the place had not thoroughly considered the ergonomic factors and right anthropometric of the users which has created discomfort in positioning oneself and accessing the fixtures during the act.  The impact of the problems has never been rationalized and always overlooked particularly on how it may affect the elderly group that is has become very common and being repeated in the provision of the ablution area in other mosque’s design and development.  In consideration of the pressing issues and needs for an appropriate ablution area as part of safety and cleanliness measures at Mosque or Surau, the design of the facility must be emphasized and be based on the needs and physical abilities of the users. This particular study on the ablution area is necessary as it has uncovered salient and common problem of the current design of the place.  The methodology selected for the study was a combination of several methods.  It encompassed onsite observation on the practical use and performance of the ablution area, interview survey on users’ practical experience and design assessment focusing on the ergonomic and anthropometric considerations of the place through measured drawing method.  The results were triangulated to determine the overall performance of the present design of ablution area in facilitating spiritual obligation of the people. For the purpose, three different mosques in Kuala Nerus district namely Masjid UNiSZA (Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin), Masjid UMT (Universiti Malaysia Terengganu) and Masjid Tok Jembal were selected as case studies. The study on the 3 sites of ablution area has displayed results indicating problems generally based on the location and proximity of water faucet and seating provision at the area which apparently were not based on the right ergonomic. This has created discomfort to the users and leaving messy and slippery ground after use.


Keywords


Ablution Workstation; Elderly; Ergonomic; Design; Mosque

Full Text:

PDF

References


Abdul Rahman, Julaila et al. "Physical and Safety Features of Ablution Spaces in the Mosques of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur." IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 401, 2018, p. 012020, doi:https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/401/1/012020.

Aman, A. et al. "Design and Analysis of Wudu’ (Ablution) Workstation for Elderly in Malaysia." IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 210, 2017, p. 012069, doi:https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/210/1/012069.

Besari, Adnan Rachmat Anom et al. "Automatic Ablution Machine Using Vision Sensor." 2009 IEEE Symposium on Industrial Electronics & Applications, vol. 1, 4-6 Oct. 2009 2009, pp. 506-509. doi:10.1109/ISIEA.2009.5356425.

Dawal, Siti Zawiah et al. "Wudu’workstation Design for Elderly and Disabled People in Malaysia’s Mosques." IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, vol. 45, no. Supplement 1, 2016, https://www.sid.ir/en/Journal/ViewPaper.aspx?ID=489352.

Fitzpatrick, Robert B. "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990." Journal of the National Association of Administrative Law Judiciary, vol. 11, 1991, pp. 13-24.

Mokhtar, Ahmed. "Design Guidelines for Ablution Spaces in Mosques and Islamic Praying Facilities." Journal of Architectural Engineering, American Society of Civil Engineers, 2005, pp. 3-9.

---. "Design Standards for Muslim Prayer Facilities within Public Buildings." Annual Research Conference of The Architectural Research Centers Consortium: Leadership in Architectural Research, Between Academia and The Profession, Architectural Research Centers Consortium (ARCC), 2009, pp. 163-169.

Nashirudin, M A S and K A Jasmi. "Cadangan Penyediaan Tempat Wuduk Yang Efisien." Pengurusan Berkualiti Memacu Kecemerlangan Pengurusan Masjid, UTM Press, 2008, pp. 124-140.

‎Pel-Ona Architects & Urbanists. "Beccc Mosque." Pel-Ona.com, 2020.

UN World Population Prospects. "Malaysia Population 2020." 2020.




DOI: https://doi.org/10.30998/cs.v2i1.323

Article Metrics

Abstract Views : 1038 | PDF Views : 12229

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2020 Sarah Aliya Che Hasbi, Sufian Hamat

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.


Editorial Office:
Institute for Research and Community services (LPPM)
Universitas Indraprasta PGRI

Address: Campus A Building 3, 2nd Floor | Jl. Nangka No. 58 C (TB. Simatupang), Kel. Tanjung Barat, Kec. Jagakarsa, Jakarta Selatan 12530, Jakarta, Indonesia.Jl. Nangka No. 58 C (TB. Simatupang), Kel. Tanjung Barat, Kec. Jagakarsa, Jakarta Selatan 12530
Phone: (021) 7818718 – 78835283 ext. 123 | Close in sunday and public holidays in Indonesia
Work Hour: 09.00 AM – 08.00 PM



Creative Commons License

Cultural Syndrome is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.