Last page of the manuscript copy of Kitāb al-hiyal kept in the Library of Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul, showing model of water machine

Cleanliness is vital in Islam, with ablutions knows as wudhu carried out before prayers.

In the 9th century, Banu Musa (the sons of Musa ibn Shakir) produced some fascinating machines that they included in their 'Book of Ingenious Devices'. This particular machine is a portable jar that was brought to guests in the house. It gives water in short spills one after another - believed to be a method of water conservation