Ramadan Mosque Campaign by Lamisil Novartis Consumer Health
As part of Novartis Consumer Health's commitment to society, a Mosque Campaign is being organized in affiliation with Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department during the holy month of Ramadan to increase awareness on the importance of drying after ablution(wudu) which Moslems perform as an act of purification and hygiene before all 5 prayers during the day.
Posters and brochures are being distributed to all mosques in Dubai to try to prevent fungal infections and its complications that may occur as a result of ignored symptoms or the transfer of the infection from others.
Importance of Drying after Ablution
Mohammad Rasoolullah (May Peace be Upon Him), had a cloth which he used to dry himself with after ablution (wudu), said Aisha (Radhi Allah Anha), as reported by Al Tirmidhee, and Sahih Al Nasaa'ee and Al Ainee.
Fourteen centuries ago, Prophet Mohammad (MPBUH) a walking encyclopedia if He may so be described, gave us a prescription of 26 washing movements to be carried out 5 times a day, after which all body parts, especially the feet, should be dried properly to prevent fungal infection.
Salmaan al-Faarsee narrates that the Prophet (MPBUH) made ablution, then turned up a wool cloak he had and wiped his face with it. (Reported by Ibn Maajah No. 468).
Many of The Prophet's close companions say that it is recommended after ablution to dry the body-parts. And their evidence is what 'Aa'ishah (radhiAllaahu 'anhaa) reports as mentioned above.
And it has other narrations which support and strengthen it. (See Fiqh al-Imam Sa'eed, 1/70). Al-Albaanee declares the hadeeth to be hasan (good and recommended). (Saheeh ul Jaami', 4706).
"O ye who believe! when ye prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; rub your heads (with water); and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If ye are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. But if ye are ill, or on a journey, or one of you cometh from answering the call of nature, or ye have been in contact with women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands, Allah doth not wish to place you in a difficulty, but to make you clean, and to complete his favor to you, that ye may be grateful." (Chapter 5, Verse 6)
Muslims are commanded in the Qur'an to pray five times a day. Washing of the exposed parts of the body is compulsory prior to the performance of prayer (ablution), and is performed in a communal area in the mosque. Prayer is also performed in a communal environment. While the practice of ritual ablution can be commended for its extremely hygienic value, and communal worship undeniably fosters a spirit of brotherhood, it is well established that communal facilities play an important role in the transmission of fungal infections, according to a study by JIMASA (Journal of Islamic Medical Association of South Africa) 1990; 7:24-27 about Raboobee N. Fungi in mosques.
The study was done to determine the prevalence of athlete's feet in the Muslim population at Jamaat Khana Mosque at Rhodes University in South Africa, specifically students who regularly attend mosque prayers there, and to investigate the prevalence and awareness of athlete's feet in mosques. Prevalence of athlete's feet was about 80%, which is considered quite high.
Because of the thousands of worshippers for every prayer, the carpet at the entrance of the prayer area was considerably damp, a situation that increases the potential of being infected with Athlete's foot especially with the lack of awareness factor.
This study highlights a common problem in the community, and attempts to provide some solutions, which should help to reduce the high prevalence of fungal infection. It by no means attempts to provide all the answers. The strategies recommended to eradicate fungal organisms from mosques will undoubtedly find application in other communal environments, such as gymnasia, health spas, swimming pools, changing rooms of sports clubs, public showers and even hotels.
The condition:
Athlete's Foot is a very common fungus infection which can affect almost anybody. The fungus survives in warm, moist areas, and feet are the perfect place for it to thrive. It often likes to grow between the toes causing a rash, itch and a burning feeling. It attacks the toes, soles of the feet and toenails and is most often presented with moist, scaling between the toes with occasional small blisters, irritation and bad odor. As the blistering breaks, the infection spreads and can involve large areas of the skin on the foot. The burning and itching that accompany the blisters may cause serious complications and great discomfort.
The condition is highly contagious as it can spread to other parts of the body and other people as well if not treated fast and in the proper way.
The Treatment:
Lamisil is an antifungal medication which, unlike other products is not only fungistatic (stops fungal growth) but it is fungicidal (kills fungus). Lamisil comes in 2 dosage forms: cream and spray. Lamisil 15 ml Spray, another of many Lamisil dosage forms is conveniently used once daily, effectively for one week and provides long term protection from re-infection.
The Final word: Is that drying the body-parts is one of the desirable actions as shown by the hadeeth of Aa'ishah (radhiAllaahu 'anhaa)
Prevention:
By practicing good foot hygiene, prevention of Athlete's Foot can be controlled:
As an important step towards a more healthy community, Novartis Consumer Health, and with the aid of Lamisil, has organized a full fledged comprehensive campaign in all mosques in Dubai to try to eradicate the problem of Athlete's Feet and other infections after having identified the problem. "Treatment of the individual and the environment is necessary, says Brand Manager of Lamisil, Novartis Consumer Health.
In regards to treatment of the individual, worshippers need to become aware of the high prevalence of athlete's feet. They need to know that the infection will not just disappear without active intervention and changes in habits. He needs to recognize the infection and seek treatment.
Posters and brochures are being prepared for the mosque. They have slogans as follows:
- Dry feet thoroughly after washing especially between the toes
- Do not walk barefoot on wet or moist floors
- Wear socks made of absorbent materials such as cotton
- Change socks frequently if you perspire heavily to decrease moisture that aids in fungal growth
- Don't share shoes or personal care items such as towels See your pharmacist if you think you have an infection.
Avoid walking around bare feet if you are infected. The infection can be passed on to others. - Choose footwear that allows for the circulation of air and that fit well
- Keep the floors in shared facilities clean and dry
- Clean and dry feet to resist disease
- Clean athletic shoes frequently
As for Treatment of the environment:
- Cleaning floors of ablution area with a jet hose has been shown to reduce the incidence of infection.
- Simple washing of the ablution floors using disinfectant solutions at greater frequency may have the same effect.
- On a broad scale, mosque architects installing blowers on the floor of a section of the ablution area, so that feet could dry satisfactorily.
REFERENCES
Al - Qur'an: Surah 11, verse 114.
Al - Qur'an: Surah 5, verse 7.
-Ends-
© Press Release 2005
