Bismillah hir Rahman nir-Rahim
In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,
I feel this topic too sensitive for the Malaysian Muslim community, because of many reasons. Mainly for their prejudiced view on this. Some prove very narrow-minded and i trust, no matter how many opinions they hear, they will stick to theirs. Now, I'm not saying they are wrong in the same way they wouldn't say I'm right. Nevertheless, I intend to write my opinions here, as we have the right to freedom of speech correct? So, here goes.
A number of people has said that it is haram to touch dogs. I, on the other hand, disagree. It is DEFINITELY NOT haram to touch dogs, but it should be common knowledge that in Malaysia, it is najaasah , or 'najis' where you have to sertu(wash 7 times, onece with dirt and 6 with clean water). I see that countrymen make a huge fuss about touching dogs compared to touching the non-mahram and smoking. Why is it such a crime? Can you wash away your sins by sertu-ing after touching you non-mahram? This is the topic that made me think twice about reverting before this, as i see many Muslim being cruel to dogs to which i do not like. This too has gave a bad name for Islam to the non-muslims. Is that not a sin? Being cruel and hurting Allah's creation? Astaghfirullah hal azim.
Bearing my hijab, I have worked and volunteered in SPCA many times , where i have to be in close contact with dogs. This has earned me many warm smiles (And occasional odd stares) from the people of other religions. They ask me questions and i answer them. Honestly i consider them as dakwah, in Shaa Allah. I pray to Allah that what i am doing is right, and that if im wrong, He will show me the right way. As i am still learning , i hope that you readers could comment if i were to type something wrong. Help your sister out here.
I have done my research about this , asking around, looking through the Internet. and i have found that if i were to work with dogs, and i am allowed (the opinion of a few ustaz) that i follow mazhab Maliki for this certain part of the religion (working with dogs), as long as i go thoroughly through the whole topic. So to speak, master it if i can to ease my complications, as islam is easy. i am definitely not saying that i take this lightly, because as long as i am not completely sure of what i am doing , i will continue to sertu everytime i need to pray. Pray for the best for me, and that if i am wrong, Allah will open my heart to see it. I'm not a really good explain-er so bear with me if you dont understand or is furious at what im saying(typing) and drop me a message .
Assalamualaikum
