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Entrepreneur Hamed Fakhro has patented a stylish porcelain appliance to allow worshippers to perform a safe and comfortable washing ritual in mosques, commercial buildings and even in their homes.
His wondrous Wudu, named after the Muslim ceremonial cleansing practice, is now on sale in Bahrain priced BD120 and interest in the product has been shown across the region and beyond.
Mr Fakhro, 32, from A’ali, said: “A lot of blood, sweat and tears have gone into this project. I am very proud to see it produced and believe that it will make a difference to the young and old – it’s good for everyone.”
Before Muslims carry out Salah (prayer) they must first perform a cleansing ritual known as Wudu (ablution). This act involves washing the face, both the arms including the elbows, one fourth of the head and washing both the feet up to and including the ankles. It’s not sufficient for a worshipper to pass wet hands over the feet or shoes.
Although mosques provide an area for this ritual, it often gets messy and complicated, particularly in crowded situations. The main challenge comes when washing the feet. It can prove strenuous and difficult for some.
For years Mr Fakhro, a businessman, pondered the problem and when he found time to concentrate solely on the issue of finding a solution, 12 months of determined effort resulted in the creation of his brainchild.
He said: “The Wudu is an innovative product keeping in mind the requirements of the people in the region. It enables them to carry out their ablution rituals in a convenient, safe and hygienic manner and in a dignified way.
“In mosques for example, I noticed how some people had to stretch and struggle to raise their legs up when washing. I just kept thinking that there had to be a better way to do it.
“It took me a long time to figure out how to design an upgraded version of what we already have in our bathrooms – the sink. It simply needed adapting, we needed something lower for the feet that would work for all individuals, no matter what their size or age.
“I took a large piece of Styrofoam and started carving the images in my head. I thought if I could see it physically and look at the designs logically then I could do it. I made a wash basin with two little sinks on the side but as one complete unit and it did the job.
“In particular it helps the seniors balance themselves and it can be used by two people at a time.”
Mr Fakhro’s first attempt to put the plan into production proved challenging. The first ceramics factory rejected his idea claiming it could not be built. Spirit crushed, he initially decided to forgo the project. However, after three days of feeling down, he picked himself up and thought: “I don’t care what those guys think, I believe in this and I am going out there to make it happen!”
Mr Fakhro approached his friend and former Ibn Khuldoon National School classmate Mohammed Almoayyed, director of Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons, for advice.
“I presented him the product in Styrofoam form and he loved it,” said Mr Fakhro. “He was immediately interested and since Almoayyed offers sanitary ware for sale, it was a dream partnership.”
The inventor was put in contact with Oman Ceramics for development and Mr Almoayyed even sent his general manager with him for support. Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons’ Building Materials division is now the exclusive dealer of Wudu in Bahrain.
“Because of his faith and support it all worked out,” said Mr Fakhro. “I also would like to thank my father Dr Ali Fakhro for being the first to believe in me and my lovely mother and sisters for their support too.”
The three-in-one Wudu can either work together or independently. The higher sink is for the face and hands, while the smaller two can be used for adult feet, or the hands and feet of children.
“I am targeting hotels, mosques, commercial and residential developments as well as every day home-owners. It isn’t complicated to install and can be fitted by any plumber. Nothing needs to be changed within the bathroom as it is all fixed to one pipe.
“My main goal is Saudi at the moment. There has been tremendous interest from people over there. But I am also aiming at the whole GCC and Asia along with the US down the road.”
For any further information, visit the website www.thewudu.com or contact the showroom in Sitra on 17125002.
