Mumsnet Talk

I thought muslims weren't supposed to depict humans in general, that's why there are none in Islamic art. But I thought that was art only and didn't think that it included plays. Or does it?

I'm not having a go I just went to a v multicultural school with muslim classmates and though their religion came up occassionally, this never did, and I am a bit confused.

Why couldn't your DC be a star/sheep/whatever? I fail to see how that's depicting a phrophet.

YABU.

Stop EVERYTHING, make your DCs feel even more excluded why dontcha?

If your answer is to stop Secret Santa, stop meals out then why don't you stop meals at home and everything else to do with Christmas.

p.s. you could always celebrate Happy Holidays and TRY to include your DC?

Luckily DD's friend's Muslim family don't take your point of view. She's Mary in the school nativity and they are proud as punch because their beautiful dd is gaining confidence and working really hard on learning her lines. they actually told me that its not about religion but about what the skills the children learn from it. I think YABU.

DD took part in a play about Diwali last month and it didn't worry me at all

Hmmm, tricky. I can see your point of view but your dc is going to a UK school, no? So your colleagues are right in that you're not integrating. It's always fine to opt out, but you are making your dc opt out which doesn't seem fair.

there is a difference between acknowledging the event and not wanting to depict prophets. Just because she is happy to take part in some aspects does not make her a hypocrite IMO. In fact we pretty much all do it to one degree or another.

I am an atheist, so celebrate Christmas in non religious way. Just because I exclude certain elements doesn't mean I can't enjoy it as an event.

Can we all remember that the prophet will be a doll and not portrayed by a person.

If you don't believe in it, then it's just a story. That would be true for an atheist but Muslims and Jews 'believe' in Jesus just not that he is the son of God.

FWIW, OP, I think 'integration' is overrated, generally by people who are pretty much in the hegemony already so it suits them. Plow your own furrow. I'll come to Eid at your house if that will help. I 'integrate' with anything that involves yummy food.

the doll is STILL a physical representation Brandy

I think 'integration' is overrated, generally by people who are pretty much in the hegemony already so it suits them

oh and this ^

Massive double standards if you go out from Xmas dinners and take part in Secret Santa imo. I feel sad for your ds tbh.

Thank you, FredFred for explaining. That makes more sense to me now.

But valium its not double standards, really. The depiction of the prophet and his family is against the OP's (interpretation of her) religion. A cracker, a bit of pudding and a crappy gift isn't.

stormforce10 Not all Muslim groups are against the depiction - imagine if only Catholics felt a certain way, the fact other CofE people did it would be irrelevant.

OP, I understand about depicting a prophet. Would your religion allow them to be a sheep or a star or something?

My DC's school has never had a nativity play which really disappoints me. I'm a militant atheist but would have no problem with any of them being in a nativity play - I would just tell them it's a story just like other stories. I just view it as a quaint tradition rather than a really religious thing.

My son's class has children with a range of faiths - some quite strict. However, they all took part in the Nativity play - there are plenty of 'non' prophet related parts

And I don't think you're refusing to integrate, that's rubbish and hurtful.

it's not a double standard, they are two separate entities

YANBU. Your child, your rules.

I wouldn't bother with trying to integrate in this way, we don't all have to do things the same way to be integrated.

Imagine how great it would be if noone felt they hadto take part in Christian festivals.

Oh I know but I still think it's a bit shit. It's all about the nativity in schools during the lead up to Christmas.

What mistle said

Wow, the lack of understanding on this is pretty impressive!

I agree with the hegemony comment, gordy, why is it ok for all the parents of kids in the play to be brainwashing their kids about Christmas, but not ok for OP to want her kids to follow the tenants of their religion?

Double standards is right.

You do what is best for your kids, OP. It sounds like they understand why they are not participating and are ok with that.

I think primary schools should spend a lot less time on the nativity in the run up to christmas; it should not dominate the school day, but sadly does.

Thankfully at secondary schools they concentrate on learning all year around.