Dogs and Muslims in Malaysia

A good piece on BBC World TV about Muslims and dogs in Malalysia. Malaysian Muslims are forbidden from owning or touching dogs. They are told dogs are unclean and if they do touch one, they have to go through a ritual washing. Muslims can only own dogs for hunting or security, and can only touch them in exceptional circumstances such as rescue.

A Muslim in KL organised a "pet a dog" programme. Dog lovers and owners wore xxx Tshirts and Muslims wore yellow ones. Click on this link to watch the BBC video

"Is it sinful to be in contact with dogs?

Playing with dogs is a common sight in many countries, but not in Malaysia.

Many people in the Muslim-majority nation believe it's sinful to be in contact with a dog.
One man tried to help Muslims overcome their fear of the animal but Malaysia's Islamic authorities said it was irresponsible and have launched an investigation.
The BBC's Jennifer Pak explains from Selangor state."

Now Jakim, The Islamic Development Dept will investigate this programme.

This report in The Sun 21 Oct 2014 -

Islamic authorities probe 'dog patting' event

Posted on 21 October 2014

Islamic authorities are conducting a probe into a controversial "dog patting" event aimed at removing the stigma regarding men's best friend Malaysia.The event, titled "I want to touch a dog" and held at Central Park, One Utama Sunday, encouraged patting dogs – seen as unclean in Islam – and reportedly drew hundreds of Muslims, raising the ire of religious leaders.
Islamic authorities said they would investigate the event, while Muslim leader, Nooh Gadut, said the event was an attempt to insult clerics.
"Don't try to create a culture that is opposite to Islam," he was quoted as saying.
Organiser Syed Azmi Alhabshi, 30, had said his intention was to help people overcome their fear of dogs and promote compassion towards animals.
AFP was not immediately able to contact him or religious authorities for further comments Tuesday.
Many Malaysians, who are active social media users, posted positive comments about the event online.
"This is so heart warming to see a good change in my home country," one Facebook user said, while another remarked: "I was so happy to see so many happy dogs, eager-to-share dog owners and above all the predominantly Malay Muslim crowd who really embraced the whole thing."
Muslims who patted dogs last Sunday took part in a special washing ritual at the end of the event. – AFP

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"Do not go near dogs" . "Wet or dry?"

October 22, 2014 The Star

NGO proposes "Do not go near dogs" event

 The Persatuan Jemaah Pondok-pondok Kedah suggested that a "Do not go near dogs" programme be held to counter the recent dog-touching event participated by Muslims in Petaling Jaya.
Its director, Sobri Osman, said the "I want to touch a dog" event should not have been allowed and the participation of Muslims clearly reflected their shallow knowledge of their religion.
He suggested that a campaign, such as "Do Not Go Near Dogs", to be held, if the objective was to educate Muslims on the proper way of handling dogs.
He advised Muslims who attended the event, held at Central Park, 1Utama, near Petaling Jaya, to cleanse themselves should they happen to touch the dogs.

"If they are confident that they were dry and the dogs they touched were also dry, it is not necessary for them to do so.
“Otherwise, they should do the proper cleansing method or their prayers will not be accepted," he added.
The 'I Want To Touch A Dog' programme has been widely criticised when Muslims were allowed to touch and play with dogs brought to the event by non-Muslims. – Bernama