To ask any Muslim mumsnetters

[DollyBarton]

Whether you are ok with dogs in the house? I'm not sure if it's one of the more normal or extreme beliefs for Muslim people but I read it is a problem and had arranged for my dog to be away when our Muslim friends stay this weekend. It's my DH's friend and girlfriend we've never met so I can't guess how many of the rules particularly she observes. My DH told me not to be so ridiculous and kept the dog here. I just think that because he thinks he knows his friend from college and observed him being fairly relaxed in those days he could be mistaken about how he and his girlfriend are about their beliefs now. They have said they are happy to share a room, I know they don't drink but DH has been in a pub with the friend in the past. DH was surprised they only eat halal....I just feel we should make our home as Muslim friendly as possible, they are our guests and it's not hard to remove the dog, put away all alcohol, remove all pork from the fridge and maybe be a bit careful about welcome hugs and kisses. Is the dog an issue in general or is it something many Muslim people don't observe? I am nervous they will feel deeply uncomfortable but too polite to say.

But that's not religion is it? It's a hijack and an excuse. They arnt religious people and shouldn't be called 'Muslim terrorists' or 'Christian terrorists' just terrorists.

Byefelisha
Salaam Aleikum.
Whenever I come across such 'arguments'- I just go off and read Sura Kafirun- and leave them to their own.

Have you never met a Muslim person before? Are these friends the only ones?

I think it's more cultural than religious. I was told by a convert about how she had to get rid of her dogs and made her poor mum get rid of hers when she married a man from North Africa. She knew what she was told by her husband. Why she didnt pick up a book and learn for herself, I dont know.

Very very different than my relatives. Even the most observant kept dogs as pets, males would give me a hug, even buy a bottle of whisky as a gift for someone.

Now some people keep birds and that really freaks me out.

Any normal person would be extremely uncomfortable that you would entertain the idea of sending your dog away to accommodate what you imagine their cultural or religious beliefs might be.

When this person visits, be alive to the possibility that she might not drink alcohol or eat pork (or course, the same could be true of Mormons and Jews). Other than this, carry on as normal.

Please read the thread people.

They visited and they all had a ball.

The op is guilty of being too caring and accommodating? Just trying her best!!

And no Heron I haven't met a person of the Muslim faith since district nurse training 20 years ago. We don't all live in multicultural areas and I thought it was very nice of the op to really think about how her guests would be comfy.

Of course this thread has shown what we all know that there is no hormogenous mass of people and everyone of all faiths and none are different.

It's been a good thread I think bar some rude comments.

I would never use a phrase like imaginary friend. Everyone should be kind to others. I think it is very important to say there is no God and that religions are often very sexist but there is no need to be rude and talk about the phrases someone said others say above.

However we need to be free to say there is no God without that taken to be rude or wrong. That is our freedom. It is not a freedom to be rude but a freedom to speak in polite tones and maintain the important right in a secular Britain to say there is no God. Just as religious people can say to me there is a God.

Yes Me2017 spot on exactly. Can't see any sensible person arguing with that.