Kedah Muslim group moots ‘Don’t go near dogs’ event

A group representing Islamic madrasahs in Kedah has suggested a counter-campaign called "Do not go near dogs", in response to a recent event in Petaling Jaya which attracted condemnation from Islamic authorities.

Sobri Osman, who heads Persatuan Jemaah Pondok-Pondok Kedah, said this was the correct campaign if the objective was to educate Muslims on the proper way of handling dogs, which is regarded impure by Muslims in Malaysia who follow the Shafi'i school of thought.

Speaking to Bernama, Sobri hit out at participants of the recent "I want to touch a dog" event in Bandar Utama, saying it reflected their shallow knowledge of their religion.

"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 said, as quoted by the government news agency.

He also called on authorities to ensure such an event was not held again, saying it was an insult to Islam.

On Sunday, about 1,000 people comprising Muslims and non-Muslims participated in the "I want to touch a dog" event, the brainchild of activist Syed Azmi Alhabshi.

The programme was aimed at teaching the public on Islam's view about dogs, and doing away with stereotypes that some Muslims have about canines.

Volunteers at the event also taught Muslims at the event the sertu or samak, a purification process using water and soil after coming in contact with dogs.

However, many Malays – clerics and ordinary citizens alike – took offence at photos of Muslims petting and holding the dogs.

One WhatsApp message making rounds even accused Syed Azmi of being a Christian who was disguised as an ustaz, and who wants to spread Shia teachings.