UK: Toilets to turn away from Mecca out of respect for Muslims
The next sound you hear is the sound of the UK being flushed down the toilet of history...
Toilet facilities are being built at London's Olympic Park so Muslims will not have to face Mecca while sitting on the loo.
The Olympic Delivery Authority has said it wants to produce an ideal venue for people of all cultures, faiths, ages and abilities for the 2012 Games and beyond. The Islamic religion prohibits Muslims from facing the Kiblah - the direction of prayer - when they visit the lavatory.
An ODA spokeswoman confirmed that a 'percentage of general toilets would not face Mecca' out of sensitivity. She could not say how many toilets would turn away from the East. Also as part of the design, special washing facilities will be linked to Islamic prayer rooms.
It is not the first time toilets have changed direction to accommodate Muslims.
Last year, thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money was used to ensure toilets at Brixton prison in London did not offend Islamic law. Muslim prisoners complained of having to sit sideways on toilets so as to not break code.
Faith leaders in the government pressured officials to approve turning the toilets 90 degrees.
Oh, possums. First they came for the toilets ... and I fear this will be next, the oh-so politically correct dhimmis of the UK will start requiring all citizens to engage in Muslim Toilet Etiquette (or as I like to say - The old Diddley Squat):* One should enter the toilet with the left foot and leave with the right foot.
* It is not permissible to enter the toilet whilst carrying or wearing anything bearing the name of Allah, such as the Quran, or any book with the name of Allah in it, or jewelry such as bracelets or necklaces engraved with the name of Allah.
* One should remain silent whilst on the toilet. Talking, answering greetings or greeting others is forbidden.
* One should not face nor turn your back on Al-Qiblah whilst relieving yourself.
* One should be out of sight of people when going to the toilet.
* It is considered forbidden to relieve oneself whilst standing up, lying down or if you are completely nude.
* One should avoid going to the toilet anywhere where people may take rest or gather for any purpose.
* Do not raise clothes until you get close to the ground and do not uncover the body any more than is needed.
* One should sit on the feet (e.g. squat) keeping thighs wide apart with the stress on the left foot.
* Do not look to the private parts of the body nor the waste matter passed from the body.
* Do not sit more than needed.
* Do not spit, blow nose, look hither and thither, touch the body unnecessarily nor look towards the sky but relieve oneself with the eyes downcast in modesty.
* After relieving oneself it is essential to perform Istinjaa (washing with water) of the anus and/or genitals with the left hand and water.
The precise mode of performing Istinjaa has also been defined by religious leaders: "At the beginning of Istinja, it is preferable to use toilet paper three times. If Istinjaa is being done on a hot day, then the person should start from the front to the back and then from the back to the front and the third time from the front to the back. If Istinjaa is being done on a cold day, then he should begin from the back to the front. After wiping, he should wash his hand first and then he should cleanse himself with two fingers and three fingers if necessary together with ‘pouring’ water. When using the two fingers, one should keep the middle finger in front and the ring and index finger behind it. After beginning with the fingers in this position, he should bring the ring finger forward and rub with the middle finger and ring finger. Thereafter, he will wipe with the index finger, if necessary. He should continue until all the impurity and smell is removed. The left over water after Istinjaa is paak only if there is no impurity in it." (Mufti Ebrahim Desai) And further: "To wash the orifice with water, even though no filth is stuck to it after relieving oneself, is desirable. If the filth is sticking to it (less than a Dirham or equal to it) then the use of water is 'Sunnah' (optional) and in the case the filth stuck to the orifice is more than a Dirham then its washing with the water is 'Fard'. (obligatory)" Islamic Academy
* Other than toilet paper, water and the left hand Istinjaa can be performed with earth, grit, stones and worn-out cloths provided they are all clean. It is forbidden to perform Istinyaa with bone, any edible item, dry dung, baked brick, potsherd, coal, fodder, writing paper and anything which has even a small value.
* After this process the hands should also be washed.
* When leaving the toilet one should also say a prayer, "Praise be to Allah who relieved me of the filth and gave me relief."
Allah Crapbar.
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