Debating differences with dignity

ABOUT a week ago, my Facebook newsfeed (l like how these terms are no longer unusual to most) was abuzz over the “I Want To Touch A Dog” event. Never had I witnessed such a split in opinions between my friends, regardless of race, religion, and age. It was quite surprising.

Now, the issue should have been put to rest because the organiser has issued an apology. He accepted that it could have been managed better and that some people were overexcited, and I laud him for that. I also laud many individuals and groups in society that have come out to clarify the Islamic hukm (ruling) on the matter, especially that of the Shafie Mazhab (Islamic school of jurisprudence). I will not be going into the Islamic hukum as it is not the point of this article, and many have written about it.