First guide dog allowed in British mosque

From The Press Association:

A blind Muslim student has become the first person to be allowed to take a guide dog into a UK mosque.

Mahomed-Abraar Khatri, 18, (pictured with his dog) 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.

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