Islamic leaders are backing campaign for a 'Muslim Peppa Pig'

Australian Islamic leaders have thrown their weight behind a campaign to produce an alternative to popular children’s show Peppa Pig that is set in a ‘predominantly Muslim town.’

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) has encouraged parents to raise money for alternative TV shows that strongly support Islamic values.

One touted alternative is ‘halal cartoon series’ Barakah Hills, which is billed as an education show that will teach children how to be a ‘good citizen’ in their community.

The show is the brainchild of production company One4Kids, who are known for making children programmes with Islamic themes.

They’re now hoping to raise A$20,000 (£12,00) to kick off production on the programme after it received backing from ANIC head Sheik Shady Alsuleiman.

He wrote on Facebook: ‘These days, in this modern age, our children have been embedded and very well occupied watching different cartoons on TV and it’s our responsibility not to stop them from watching but give them another alternative.’

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Speaking to the BBC, One4Kids producer Sushi Alshaik added: ‘I’m a fan of Peppa Pig like many people are… Muslim, non-Muslim, pig haters, pig lovers.

According to government data, Muslims make up approximately two percent of the entire population in Australia.