Discrimination of Dogs in Children

Almost 2 years ago, an activist organized "I want to touch a dog" event with the intention to educate people about dogs as a living being. Why? Because majority muslims here in Malaysia were planted with the thought that DOG=BAD. As a result, it is either they live in fear of dogs or they end up abusing the poor creature. Although the event had mixed reviews, the idea of educating the public about dogs seem to be a good one (in my opinion).

I'm a very liberal person and is far from religious. So, I will excerpt a line from the internet, Dogs in Islam

"Traditionally, dogs have been seen as impure, and the Islamic legal tradition has developed several injunctions that warn Muslims against most contact with dogs. Unfortunately, many Muslims have used this view to justify the abuse and neglect of dogs, even though cruelty contradicts the Qur'an's view that all animals form "communities like you."  

All animals are a part of Allah’s creation and belong to Allah (swt). Muslims are custodians of this beautiful planet. How we care for animals and what we use them for we will be accountable for to Allah (swt). All of creation is Muslim, submitting to Allah’s will—only man and jinn are granted a freedom of choice. So yes, even animals are Muslim. 

Every animal has been created for a purpose. It is a duty upon every human being to respect Allah’s creation. If we ill treat any of His creation, we will be questioned about it on the Day of Judgment. Sa'yyidina ’Umar (ra) was very concerned about the animals during his rule as Amir or head of the Islamic empire. "

Following that, Dr. Ayoub M. Banderker (BVMCh) made a few other points to address concerns,

1. It is NOT haraam to own a dog, though it is not hygienic to keep a dog in the house. 

2. It is NOT haraam to touch a dog or any other animal. If the saliva of a dog touches you or any part of your clothing, then it is required of you to wash the body part touched and the item of clothing touched by the dog’s mouth or snout. 

3. It is incumbent upon all Muslims who own animals, whether for farming or work purposes or as pets, to provide adequate shelter, food, water, and, when needed, veterinary care for their animals. Arrangements must be made, if one is going to be away from home, to have one’s animals taken care of as well. 

4. It is haraam to keep a dog or any other animal on a short lead for long periods without food, water, and shelter. Dogs need exercise and are social creatures who form organized “family” structures in nature. Dog owners therefore need to spend time daily with their dogs. 

5. It is cruel, and therefore haraam, to keep any animal in a cage so small that it cannot behave in a natural way. 

6. Fireworks cause untold suffering to most domestic animals because of their acute sense of hearing. 

7. It is haraam to participate in any blood “sport,” like dog fighting and trophy hunting. 

No animal has been cursed in any way. Animals are referred to in many instances in the Qu’ran. In Surah Kahf, mention is made of the companions of the Cave and their dog. (S18: 18-22) "

You must be wondering why I am talking about this. Well, my daughter is at the age where she loves to play pretend.

My Little Princess who Loves Animals

Loving animals, she will sometimes pretend to be a certain animal. From dogs to cats, from horses to chickens and lions to snakes. One day, upon seeing the bone from the chicken she just ate, being a kid with a wild imagination, Zara pretended to be dog. Instead of being explained that playing with food can be considered rude, what she got was, 

"No Dog!" 

"Dog=Bad!"

"You Dirty Girl"

Honestly, I was taken aback by the statements. Just because she was pretending to be a Dog. Had she pretended to be another animal, I doubt she will get that sort of remarks.  Some how or rather, I think that this is how hatred towards dogs were planted in children. That is certainly not the way I plan to teach my kid on impurity (najis).  I believe that we should empathize the poor creature. After all, the dog did not ask to be a dog. So, DOG is NOT BAD! Teaching discrimination is! Please do not take the context of my statements as me planning to teach my children to play with "Najis". I just believe that children should grow up understanding what it is all about before acting on it. 

Which is why, I really don't have a problem when Zara pretending to be a Dog or even a Pig. Pretend play is an important thing in Child Development and helps them learn about how the world works. 

So, if you disagree about my child pretending to be an animal that is deemed impure, don't punish her for pretending. However, if you plan explain to her about impurity and how in real life she needs to avoid touching a wet dog and its saliva or how we can't touch pig's skin, by all means, feel free to do so. If discrimination is your direction, kindly reserve your thoughts and walk away. 

Thank you