Muslim taxi drivers say no to alcohol and dogs
Andrea Useem/Religion News Service
Issue date: 1/22/07 Section: Divine Intervention
Airport officials in the Twin Cities are trying to crack down on Muslim taxi drivers who refuse to carry passengers traveling with alcohol or dogs, according to a spokesman for the Metropolitan Airports Commission. "It is time to draw a line in the sand to make sure people are not refused taxi services," said Patrick Hogan, spokesman for the commission, which oversees Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
A commission subcommittee recently decided to recommend public hearings on a policy that would suspend the licenses of drivers who refused service. The step represents a breakdown in cooperation between the airport authorities and local Muslim leaders.
"We have been working with the Muslim community, trying to find solutions that work for everybody. Frankly, we have not able to," said Hogan, who described a failed effort last year to label taxis with special lights to indicate whether drivers would transport alcohol or dogs. "There was a huge outcry against that idea."
Beginning several years ago, Muslim taxi drivers have said no to passengers carrying alcohol, or who are traveling with pet or service dogs, said Hogan. As many as 100 passengers were denied service each month. That number dropped in August when the Transportation Security Administration limited carry-on liquids, reducing the number of people traveling with alcohol.Roughly three-quarters of the 900 taxi drivers servicing the airport are Muslim, many of them ethnically Somali, the Star Tribune reported.
Last year, the Minnesota chapter of the Muslim American Society issued a fatwa, or legal ruling, saying it was a violation of both Islamic faith and the spirit of the First Amendment to insist Muslims transport alcohol, according to the Star Tribune. Ibrahim Hooper, communications director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, however, said a fatwa was only "an opinion," not a binding edict for all Muslims.
"In the case of guide dogs, the need to accommodate handicapped individuals should outweigh the discomfort Muslims might feel in having dogs in their vehicles," said Hooper, who urged local Muslim leaders and airport officials to work out a compromise. The commission's decision on the issue is expected before May 11, when drivers apply to renew their licenses.
A commission subcommittee recently decided to recommend public hearings on a policy that would suspend the licenses of drivers who refused service. The step represents a breakdown in cooperation between the airport authorities and local Muslim leaders.
"We have been working with the Muslim community, trying to find solutions that work for everybody. Frankly, we have not able to," said Hogan, who described a failed effort last year to label taxis with special lights to indicate whether drivers would transport alcohol or dogs. "There was a huge outcry against that idea."
Beginning several years ago, Muslim taxi drivers have said no to passengers carrying alcohol, or who are traveling with pet or service dogs, said Hogan. As many as 100 passengers were denied service each month. That number dropped in August when the Transportation Security Administration limited carry-on liquids, reducing the number of people traveling with alcohol.Roughly three-quarters of the 900 taxi drivers servicing the airport are Muslim, many of them ethnically Somali, the Star Tribune reported.
Last year, the Minnesota chapter of the Muslim American Society issued a fatwa, or legal ruling, saying it was a violation of both Islamic faith and the spirit of the First Amendment to insist Muslims transport alcohol, according to the Star Tribune. Ibrahim Hooper, communications director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, however, said a fatwa was only "an opinion," not a binding edict for all Muslims.
"In the case of guide dogs, the need to accommodate handicapped individuals should outweigh the discomfort Muslims might feel in having dogs in their vehicles," said Hooper, who urged local Muslim leaders and airport officials to work out a compromise. The commission's decision on the issue is expected before May 11, when drivers apply to renew their licenses.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 15
Hiba
posted 1/22/07 @ 3:56 PM EST
As a Muslim, I can understand the drivers' discomfort around dogs.
Being around dogs or touching dogs is not forbidden in Islam, but it can prevent the person from being able to pray. (Continued…)
Rashad
posted 1/22/07 @ 10:03 PM EST
As a Muslim I cannot support the cab drivers refusal carry passengers with dogs or alcohol. There is nothing in Islam that would prevent them performing this service. (Continued…)
tariqabjotu
tariqabjotu
posted 1/22/07 @ 10:37 PM EST
Consider this Exhibit A for the balance of faith and reason gone awry.
These Muslims are doing their fellow practitioners a serious disservice by portraying Muslims as narrow-minded and highly hypocritical. (Continued…)
R Johnson
posted 1/22/07 @ 11:53 PM EST
If you expect non-Mulsims to be tolerant of Islam--then you must be tolerant of other people's ideas and religons. Tolerance works both ways--YOu must be tolerant as well of all people, regardless of their faith or ideas. (Continued…)
Zahra
posted 1/23/07 @ 3:58 AM EST
As a sincere Muslim, I am ashamed of other such Muslims with such superficial, narrow-minded and hostile approach. First of all, the Quraan NEVER says that dogs are unclean or anything of the sort. (Continued…)
irfan
posted 1/23/07 @ 11:06 AM EST
I don't agree with taxi drivers for not allowing K-9's for blind. This is a very important service that muslim must provide.
It is ok to refuse ride to drunk person. (Continued…)
m malzahn
posted 1/23/07 @ 11:09 AM EST
we welcome refugees of all faiths into our country and this is how we are repaid. no good deed goes unpunished. unbelievable. if this was an unregulated industry and anyone would be allowed to transport a customer from the airport to there destination i would say just take the next cab. (Continued…)
NieeMA
NieeMA Thasing
posted 1/23/07 @ 2:51 PM EST
Salaams to all
I have driven cab at the airport in the Twin Cities. It is not as easy as one makes it sound in saying just take the next cab.
During rush hour the tempo of the airport is faster then a excited heart. (Continued…)
Abdul
posted 1/25/07 @ 4:10 PM EST
I understand the drivers intentions but other choose to be narrow minded when judging the drivers. The taxi cab is the drivers office, should he not set the rules for his office. (Continued…)
alora
posted 3/04/09 @ 11:41 PM EST
I am new to this forum. I don't know much about this forum. My friends told me about this then I saw it. I think your site is providing information about Intervention on Cocaine Addict. (Continued…)
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