Blind student becomes first Muslim to take guide dog inside UK mosque » Communities » 24dash.com

A blind Muslim student today became the first person allowed to take a guide dog into a UK mosque.

Mahomed-Abraar Khatri, 18, can now enter his place of worship in Leicester with canine companion Vargo after the Muslim Law (Shari'ah) Council UK issued a historic fatwa in response to his request.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association described the decision as "a massive step forward for other blind and partially-sighted Muslims".

Issued after months of work by the association and the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), the fatwa states "a blind person, in the light of Shariah Law, will be allowed to keep a guide dog to help him and if required to take him to the mosque for his prayers".

Previously, all dogs were banned from mosques because the Islamic faith historically sees them as being for guarding and hunting only.

However, the position was softened because guide dogs could be classed in the "working dogs" category.

The animals are still barred from entering the prayer hall for the sake of hygiene but are allowed to guide their owners to the area where shoes are placed, says the fatwa.

A special rest area has been set up in the entrance of the Bilal Jamia Mosque for Vargo while Mr Khatri is praying.

Previously, the teenager, who attends the RNIB College in Loughborough, had to be accompanied to the mosque by a sighted helper.

His father, Gafar Khatri, said: "Since Mahomed-Abraar has had his guide dog, Vargo, he has regained his independence.

"Now, instead of being dependant on other people to take him places, he can now go wherever he wants, when he wants.

"Obviously it is early days but his confidence is growing daily. So far he can travel to Loughborough for college and even as far as Cardiff for his cricket matches with Vargo's help."

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association hopes the fatwa and Mr Khatri and Vargo's story will set a precedent, encouraging other blind and partially sighted Muslims to consider owning a guide dog.

It is also hoped that mosque leaders both in the UK and abroad will follow suit and allow guide dogs inside.

After issuing the fatwa, Mohammad Shahid Raza, director of Imams and Mosques Council UK and secretary of Muslim Law (Shariah) Council UK, said: "I am pleased to know that Bilal Jamia Mosque in Leicester is providing a unique facility to our blind Muslim brothers to take their guide dogs with them while visiting the mosque to join the prayers.

"Such a facility will highlight the Islamic attitude of helping disabled people and enhance the services we provide to the Muslim community.

"I hope that all existing mosques will follow Bilal Mosque in serving the disabled people in a similar way by providing facilities to them.

"I also believe that, in all new mosques, such facilities for disabled people will be an essential part of their design."

Assistant secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Britain Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra said he hoped the ground-breaking decision would help Muslim communities to understand the teachings of Islam with regards to dogs, especially guide dogs.

"The scholars who have deliberated this ruling have explored the issue from all angles and we are delighted with their fatwa," he said.

Guide Dogs chief executive Bridget Warr said the issuing of the fatwa was "a truly historic event".

She said: "Guide Dogs made a commitment in 2006 to increase our efforts to reach groups with which we don't currently have strong links, including minority ethnic communities.

"Through working closely with The Muslim Council of Britain we have helped open up the possibility of the life-changing freedom and independence that a guide dog can provide to thousands of blind and partially sighted Muslims around the world."