Muslim animal rescuer’s efforts draw mixed reaction with some frowning on touching ‘haram’ pets

 

NO good deed goes unpunished as the saying goes. This simply means acts of kindness, generosity and compassion can backfire, thus inviting a whole host of unwanted criticism.

A good example of this surrounds a team of animal rescuers known as Shikin’s Team Animal Rescue (STAR) who had the misfortune to have been involved in a road crash recently.

As reported in various media, the STAR team’s van was involved in a collision with a lorry on the North South Expressway on April 12.

There were no serious injuries to human volunteers though several feline passengers were less fortunate with some meeting their demise in the incident.

The team had been on the way to the Oh My Pets Expo at Mid Valley in Kuala Lumpur from Melaka with a view to finding new adoptive home for stray cats and dogs.

Following the incident, the organisers of the pet expo (who is a CSR partner) decided to pay STAR a visit to see how everyone was recovering.

A video was shared on Facebook Reels showing the main animal welfare caregiver (only known as) Shikin being interviewed while gently petting and cradling a canine.

Instead of focusing on the content of the video or wishing the animal welfare activist well, some online commenters decided to show their displeasure at this open display of affection towards a creature where touching it is in itself frowned upon by many Muslims.

Editor’s Note: Images of a tearful Shikin embracing with a canine that was lost during the accident had also gone viral and invited much criticism.

Amidst all the positivity that came Shikin’s way, there were still those who sought to put a damper on everything with spiteful comments. One commenter even lamented that this was the behaviour of those who have forgotten the restrictions placed by their religion.

Another dog-hater sought to place the responsibility of kids attacked or bitten by strays on the shoulders of this animal welfare volunteer.

It was also contended that such actions were simply not permissible in Islam. Dogs are to be limited to “jaga kebun” (look after garden) and nothing else.

Moreover, it was insinuated that such behaviour was imitating Indonesian Muslims who are seen as more liberal.

Thankfully, one Muslim commenter sought to clear up the misconception by insisting that Islam does not discriminate against dogs – the only proviso is that they not be kept inside the house but “merely as guardian pet”.

Thankfully, the vast majority of comments were in praise of Shikin and her team for doing the right thing. Not only showing great compassion in caring for stray and wounded animals but they are also being proactive in tackling the issue of homeless and abandoned pets.

Many also noted that the animals were indeed lucky to have a carer such as Shikin. It was obvious from the video that the furry friend was extremely comfortable in her embrace, observed a Muslim commenter, only to be chastised by her Muslim brethren that “touching dogs are haram, stupid!”

Encapsulating the overall sentiment though was a comment that hit the nail on the head. It simply declared that “some animals are simply better than humans … Respect to those who care for animals”.

 - Focus Malaysia