The Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Parked marked the opening of its Wudu Room, a private space designed for those who practice Islam, on Wednesday.
“This will allow Muslim visitors and patients to prepare for prayer through purification of the face, hands and feet,” according to a news release.
Wudu is an Islamic tradition where one washes their arms, and then their face followed by their legs before reading of the Quran. Each are washed three times as a means of spiritual cleansing.
The idea for a Wudu Room came to the hospital’s attention when a staff member mentioned the idea, a spokesperson said, stating that the need for a room of prayer for those who practice Islam was critical in the hospital’s mission to accommodate all visitors.