Disabled Muslims Australia

Carers

If you need carer assistance to visit the mosque there are different services in each state/territory that may be able to provide you with a carer to accompany you to the mosque. If you need help finding the relevant organisation for you just get in contact with Disabled Muslims Australia.
Many people are cared for by a relative of the opposite sex. Unfortunately this can cause problems with mosques that have separate rooms for each gender. However, communication is often able to remedy this problem. Speak with the Imam or management committee of your mosque about your need for a carer, and explain that you need to be able to access the mosque in comfort and safety just like every other Muslim. It may help to explain that carers have extensive skills and experience, and it is not safe or appropriate to insist the person find a different person to be their carer in the mosque. It may be preferred that you pray in the men's section, with your carer being permitted to stay with you. However, your comfort and feelings on the issue are very important, and the ignorance of others should not prevent you from practicing your faith in comfort. Express your needs and wishes. If you need help with this contact Disabled Muslims Australia.

 

Timing

Some people with disabilities can find crowds stressful or overstimulating. People with mobility problems, those who require urgent or frequent access to the bathroom, and those who need space to perform stretches can also experience difficulty with crowds. To remedy this choose the time you go to the mosque. If it is too difficult when it is crowded avoid going on special occasions like Eid and Ramadan, when it will be very crowded. Friday Jummah prayers can also be very crowded. Ask around, or go and have a look at some mosques near you. You may find that some of them are less crowded. If you cannot go to the mosque during busy times, Eid, Ramadan or Jummah due to your disability then Allah (swt) understands and does not wish to place hardship on us to follow our faith. We are excepted from duties in necessity, or when we are unable to do something due to reasons outside of our control.

 

Be prepared

Get in contact with the mosque before-hand so the facilities you require will be ready for you, such as a chair to sit on.

 

Cleanliness

If you are likely to have dirt on your shoes or mobility aid, and are unable to leave them in the shoe area, try to bring along a little towel to wipe over your shoes or aid. A shammy towel is a great choice because it is small and very absorbent. In some cases you may be unable to clean it (such as power wheelchair wheels). If you feel comfortable you could ask for someone's assistance. Otherwise, Allah (swt) is most understanding. Floors can be easily cleaned. You are most welcome in the mosque. Refusing to allow a person with a disability to enter the mosque is a much greater sin than simply getting the floor a bit dirty.

 

Hearing or vision impaired

If you are hearing or vision impaired you may need to reserve a place near the imam or speaker.

 

Wudu/Tayammum

If there is no mosque near you with wudu facilities that are accessible for you with your disability then you should perform wudu at home before travelling to the mosque if possible. If you are unable to maintain wudu for the time required to travel from your home and complete the prayer at the mosque, or you are not coming from home, it is permissible for you to make Tayammum using the walls of the mosque, or another surface with clean dust, sand or dirt.

 

Transport

Check our mosque list that shows which mosques have disabled parking available (link available below). Note: this list is still being built. We need you to tell us the details of mosques near you that are not on our list yet.

If you cannot drive, and have no one available to take you to the mosque, most communities across Australia have community transport available for those with disabilities who cannot find alternative transport. You may be able to arrange transport to and from the mosque through them.

If you speak to the leadership of your local mosque they may be able to arrange a car pool to take you to and from the mosque.

 

 

Stress, overstimulation, fidgeting and stimming

Some people with mental illness, autism or aspergers can become overstimulated or stressed by the environment, crowds, noise and activities in the mosque. Some may also fidget or stim (repetitive movements often in response to stress, or to self regulate or express emotion). Bring along something that will help you to manage stress or overstimulation. This could be a fidget toy, which is a therapy object or toy that can help the user to be calm and alert.

Some people can be bothered by loud noises, such as the speaker or imam's voice. If this applies to you it is helpful to position yourself as far away from speakers and the imam as possible.

 

Stiffness and pain

Some people experience pain and/or stiffness that gets worse upon being seated or remaining stationary for a period of time. This can make the person very uncomfortable, as well as making it difficult for them to concentrate. Getting up and doing some light stretches or movements can reduce the pain and stiffness. It is best to position yourself to the rear of the congregation so that your movements do not distract anyone. This also gives you more space to do your stretches.

 

Incontinence and urgent bathroom visits

Some people experience incontinence, or require urgent and unexpected use of a toilet. In such circumstances it is best to position yourself closest to the bathroom. This enables you to reach the bathroom quickly, whilst not disturbing anyone or drawing attention to yourself. If you are completely incontinent then you will already be wearing incontinence briefs or pads. Bring fresh briefs or pads with you in case. If you need to change at the mosque try to use a disabled bathroom (it gives you more room to move and usually will have a bin inside to dispose the dirty one in). Take plastic bags with you to wrap the soiled one in before you dispose of it.

 

Autism and Aspergers Syndrome

There is a dedicated article to assist those with Autism, and their carers, to access mosques. The link is provided below.

 

 

 

Guide dogs and disability assistance dogs

Unfortunately there are some people in our community who are misinformed about this subject. There are also some who are shockingly abusive to those who need a guide/disability assistance dog, even refusing to allow them to catch transport if they are the driver. This is not good Muslim behaviour. The need for Muslims to support those with disabilities is very important, and is an important Muslim duty. Allowing a small amount of uncleanliness is a much smaller sin than neglecting and shutting out a Muslim from the community and mosque due to their disability needs. If you need to be accompanied to the mosque by a guide dog or disability assistance dog it is advisable to speak to mosques near you about this. It will be much more comfortable for you to attend a mosque that is supportive. If you need help with these feel free to get in contact with us. We are putting a lot of effort into educating the community about this. It would be helpful to print off our article dedicated to the issue (link provided below), particularly the part referring to the fatwa issued by the Islamic Council of UK saying it is permissible for guide dogs to be taken into the mosque if required. We are currently working on a communication to be sent to Australian Islamic councils on this matter which will Insha'Allah promote local movement on this issue.