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Australian Islamic preacher has urged parents to embrace religious cartoons over the popular British animated series Peppa Pig Getty Images

An Islamic leader in Australia has urged Muslim parents to prefer religious TV shows and cartoons for children over animated series, like Peppa Pig – a popular British animated show telecast in 180 countries. Sheik Shady Alsuleiman, the head of the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), has also asked parents to raise funds for shows that embrace Islamic values.

The national organisation of Imams and Islamic scholars has encouraged the people to support a production company – One4Kids – that makes children's shows with Islamic themes. The company needs A$20,000 (£12,000; $15,000) to begin production on Barakah Hills – a story about the Abdullah family, who live in a small town with a predominantly Muslim population.

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"Introducing Barakah Hills one of our many Peppa Pig alternatives. Barakah Hills represents an ideal Muslim community and is targeted to a post-toddler, preschool demographic of children. The show's main objective is to show children what it is like to be a practising Muslim as well as a good citizen in their community. Children will learn everything from how to have good manners, to how to get actively involved with community projects," One4Kids said in a social media post, when the trailer of the show was released.

Alsuleiman, who has previously generated controversy for his homophobic views, has urged parents to help the network company in producing more shows like this that focus on prayer, stories of prophets, Ramadan and learning Arabic.

"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," he said in a video posted on the company's Facebook page.

Barakah Hills - Peppa Pig Muslim Alternative

We will put you out of your suspense. Introducing BARAKAH HILLS one of our many Peppa Pig alternatives.Barakah Hills represents an ideal Muslim community and is targeted to a post-toddler, pre-school demographic of children. The show’s main objective is to show children what it is like to be a practicing Muslim as well as a good citizen in their community. Children will learn everything from how to have good manners, to how to get actively involved with community projects. The way they learn is not through strict regimented lessons but through seeing how Laylah and Omar, and the supporting characters, do things. Essentially, the viewers will be learning by example. This makes for an educational, engaging and most importantly, fun children’s show. ** The series is still in the development stages.**We need your HELP to fund this project. How you can help?1. Subscribe yourself to www.one4kids.tv for less than 30c a day 2. Share and convince at-least 10 of your close family and friends to also subscribe to www.one4kids.tv 3. Support our crowdfunding campaign to raise money for these episodes https://www.launchgood.com/project/barakah_hills__cartoon_series_for_children#/ 4. Make DUA that we are successful in providing a wholesome ethical halal media alternative for our Ummah's Children** Stay tuned for more to come and provide us with your feedback in the comments below regarding the new Barakah Hills series **www.one4kids.tv #BarakahHills #One4KidsTV #One4Kids #Zaky #PreciousPearls

Posted by Zaky & Friends on Monday, October 31, 2016

One4Kids producer Subhi Alshaik told the BBC he enjoyed Peppa Pig but that "apparently there are messages in there that turn kids into brats".

"I'm a fan of Peppa Pig like many people are... Muslim, non-Muslim, pig haters, pig lovers," he said.

"We thought, maybe we should produce an alternative that is about everyday life. Why not have a show that is similar to Peppa Pig?" Alshaik added.