An answer to a debate many years ago.


from Disability World, a bi-monthly web-zine of international disability
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No Ban On Guide Dogs Under Islamic Law

Recent guidance from the Sherrat Council has confirmed that
trained assistance dogs can accompany disabled people into
restaurants or taxis managed or driven by Muslims. With two
million Muslims in Great Britain, many running businesses
in the service sector, this represents an important ruling
with potentially far-reaching effects.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requires service
providers to change practices deemed to be discriminatory.
Therefore, this guidance helps to clarify religious law and
prevent any possible conflict with secular law.

Photo features (left to right) Saghir Alam, Commissioner
DRC, Bert Massie (Chairman DRC) and Lord Ahmed

Lord Ahmed, a Muslim spokesman in the House of Lords, said:
"Islam is a religion that cares for people. Although it is
not encouraged to keep a dog in the house, if the dog is
owned for reasons of safety then it is permitted. When a
disabled person is accompanied by a trained dog, such a dog
becomes a blind person's eyes, and therefore such a dog
should not be stopped from entering with a blind person."
According to Shariah, a guide or assistance dog qualifies
as a highly trained or taught animal that is essential to
the independence of a disabled person. Although it would
never be acceptable to bring a dog into a Mosque, all
Muslims would be aware of this and non-Muslims would be
unlikely to want to enter one.

Bert Massie, Chairman of the Disability Rights Commission
(DRC), commented:       "The DRC had a very fruitful meeting
with Lord Ahmed. Disabled Muslim people will welcome this
guidance from the Sherrat Council as it will help prevent
any possible conflicts of interest in future. There have
been cases where, for example, a taxi driver has been
unwilling to carry an Assistance Dog due to religious
observance. Normally these issues are resolved amicably
however we thought it wise to clarify the issue as these
instances are likely to occur in the future." For further
information please contact Will Dingli on 020 7211 4363 or
mobile 07970 848 438. Email: [log in to unmask]