The image shared by Dr. Maalouf includes a dramatic headline and a subheader stating, "In Manchester, pamphlets have been distributing [sic] by a group called Public Purity have demanded that Brits do not take their dogs out in public as dogs are considered impure in the Islamic faith." The image is split into two sections: on the left, a group of women in hijabs, one appearing to shout or scream, possibly at a protest; on the right, a person walking three dogs on leashes in a suburban setting. The juxtaposition suggests a cultural clash between Islamic beliefs and Western practices, specifically the british tradition of dog ownership and public dog-walking.
Dr. Maalouf's caption adds to the narrative, stating, "There are now dog-free zones in the UK to ‘tackle racism’! dogs are considered ‘haram’." The term "haram" refers to something forbidden in islam, and the claim about "dog-free zones" implies an official policy, which credible sources have not substantiated.
Despite the viral nature of the post, the claim has been thoroughly debunked. A fact-checking article from Logically Facts, published on february 12, 2025, confirms that no such pamphlets have been distributed in Manchester by a group called Public Purity. Manchester City Council, when contacted, stated they had no knowledge of such pamphlets or policies and had not pursued any initiatives to ban dog-walking. The claim dates back to at least 2016, with the facebook page "For Public Purity" identified as the source of the rumor. Outlets like Buzzfeed have noted its recurring virality, particularly on social media platforms like facebook, where it has been shared repeatedly since 2018.
While some Islamic scholars consider dogs impure—based on certain hadiths, such as the one cited in the replies—these views are not universally held among Muslims. Many Muslims worldwide own and care for dogs, especially for purposes like guarding or herding, which are explicitly permitted in Islamic tradition. The Reddit thread from 2021, titled "Islam's harsh stance on dogs reveals islam to be a manifestation of the culture and norms of the primitive past," argues that such rules may have been practical in 7th-century Arabia due to concerns over disease or aggression but are less relevant today with modern veterinary care and training. However, this argument oversimplifies the diversity of Islamic thought and practice regarding dogs.
Dr. Maalouf's caption adds to the narrative, stating, "There are now dog-free zones in the UK to ‘tackle racism’! dogs are considered ‘haram’." The term "haram" refers to something forbidden in islam, and the claim about "dog-free zones" implies an official policy, which credible sources have not substantiated.
Despite the viral nature of the post, the claim has been thoroughly debunked. A fact-checking article from Logically Facts, published on february 12, 2025, confirms that no such pamphlets have been distributed in Manchester by a group called Public Purity. Manchester City Council, when contacted, stated they had no knowledge of such pamphlets or policies and had not pursued any initiatives to ban dog-walking. The claim dates back to at least 2016, with the facebook page "For Public Purity" identified as the source of the rumor. Outlets like Buzzfeed have noted its recurring virality, particularly on social media platforms like facebook, where it has been shared repeatedly since 2018.
While some Islamic scholars consider dogs impure—based on certain hadiths, such as the one cited in the replies—these views are not universally held among Muslims. Many Muslims worldwide own and care for dogs, especially for purposes like guarding or herding, which are explicitly permitted in Islamic tradition. The Reddit thread from 2021, titled "Islam's harsh stance on dogs reveals islam to be a manifestation of the culture and norms of the primitive past," argues that such rules may have been practical in 7th-century Arabia due to concerns over disease or aggression but are less relevant today with modern veterinary care and training. However, this argument oversimplifies the diversity of Islamic thought and practice regarding dogs.
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