A concept of clean toilet from the Islamic perspective

Islam is the official religion of Malaysia and more than half of the population is Muslim. As Muslims, the aspect of cleanliness is one of the most important and basic things that should be followed and practised in everyday life. Allah loves those cleanse themselves as quoted in the holy Qur'an. .. God loves those who turn to Him, and He loves those who cleanse themselves ".(Surah Al-Baqarah: 222) There is a growing awareness of public toilets among the public and authorities which can be seen in the events such as the "A Clean Toilet Campaign Seminar" held at national level end of July 2003 in lohor Bahru, Johor. Criticisms by visitors and locals stirred the level of consciousness among those responsible directly or indirectly for clean and effective public facilities. Nowadays, toilet is no longer perceived as merely a small and insignificant part of a building. It contributes and serves more than the initial purposes intended. Due to socio-economic changes, a toilet has been diversified and become multi-functions. It has surpassed its traditional role as a place to empty bowels or urinates to serve as comfortable vicinity with conveniences. In developed countries such as Japan and Korea, a public toilet has become a communal area where people could do face washing, showering, freshen up or taking care of their kids and so on. In designing a public toilet, some elements should be highlighted particularly on the understanding of users needs. With the various type of users, there is a need for a universal design of a public toilet that is always clean, comfortable and safe as well as relaxing. In Malaysia, it is important to understand the 'Islamic toilet manner' as they can influence and has direct implications for the design and planning of toilet facilities as Islam is a universal and advocates matter of cleanliness