[PHOTOS] Over 800 Curious And Eager Muslims Turn Up To Fight Their Fear Of Dogs
'I Want to Touch a Dog' was a first of its kind event held at Central Park, Bandar Utama to help people, especially Muslims, get over their fear of dogs.
By Sadho Ram — 19 Oct 2014, 01:46 PM — Updated about 10 years ago
Sunday morning at around 8, on 19 October, at the Central Park, One Utama, a special event was held for the curious to overcome their fear of dogs. It was aptly titled 'I Want To Touch A Dog'.
Organised by Syed Azmi Alhabshi, the event saw hundreds of eager and curious Muslims touching and interacting with dogs
While Azmi is afraid of dogs, he is less afraid of what people think of him, a Muslim, for pioneering the first of its kind of event here
Syed Azmi Alhabshi wants to help people, especially Muslims, get over their fear of dogs.
Image via themalaysianinsider.com"The objective is to overcome one's fear of dogs, to understand them better and also to practise 'sertu'. It is not to promote dog adoption," Syed Azmi, a pharmacist in his 30s, told The Malaysian Insider in an interview. The Kuala Lumpur native said he wanted to help people overcome certain misconceptions and sensitivities surrounding dogs.
themalaysianinsider.com
Azmi said he had permission from the police and the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) to hold the event. Surprised and thankful that the authorities allowed him to proceed with the event, he said they seemed to understand his explanation that it was aimed at helping people overcome their fear of dogs.
themalaysianinsider.com
"I live in (Taman Tun Dr Ismail) a Malay neighbourhood. I have no Chinese neighbours so there are no pet dogs around. I have seen cases of people running away at the sight of a dog, or throw stones at it. It broke my heart... How do people feel when they see an animal ill-treated, abused or knocked over?" he said.
themalaysianinsider.com
After the event, several of those who went to attend it, started posting colourful photos, flooding the event's Facebook page
At the beginning of the event, Azmi explained the objectives of the event to Malaysians from all walks of life who were present there. It was followed by a short speech by an Ustaz, a Muslim religious teacher, explaining about 'dogs from the perspective of Islam.'
Then a simple demonstration of how ‘Sertu’ is done. Sertu is a way for Muslims to ‘cleanse’ themselves after touching a dog. The whole process is relatively easy and straightforward. Based on the demo, you’ll need to clean yourself with water and dirt, mix them together and wash the affected part for seven times.
lifeinmy.comHere are some more photos from the event that happened today. For more, please visit the event page of I Want To Touch A Dog.
