Ramadan question re music at school

[NCembarassed]

I work in a school. One of our students has told me she cannot be in music lessons during Ramadan.

My faith (Christian) is really important to me, and I want to support our students in any way I can. If possible, I don't want them to feel compromised.

As a TA, I don't have much influence on the decision, as it is up to the teacher. What can I suggest to help?

Pushing boundaries to test the flexibility of the system, not just limited to the schooling. And if anyone raises their eyebrows, they are labelled islamophobes.

Before anyone say anything, I am a muslim and there is no obligation on anyone to fast or do all these nonsense in any of the scripts. However, it is a good practise.

I also fast during Ramadan and it is very difficult to work in NHS while you fast; some of my close white colleagues in NHS know that I fast. I dont expect anything from them. But, I get pushed out to go home most days by 6pm on Fasting days for prayer and breaking fast. In return, I am almost always on call every year from December 24th to 2nd January 😳for more than a decade now. Also, they try and do their best to avoid (and miserably fail also 😂) eating when I am around. Being considerate is intrinsic and not imposed. Also, just because I follow a particular religion, expecting others to make way for me is hypocracy. Ramadan is a divine opportunity to be close to the almighty and do good deeds and not expect others to follow me or make way for me. Being considerate costs you nothing.

I can’t honestly say attending music lessons at school taught me anything or improved my life in any way. It’s not like they’re saying they can’t attend maths or English.

If it did in every case, the world would have been full of Mozarts !!😂Who will cook, clean and nurse?

People can be quite cavalier about the possibility of making different arrangements. Some schools don’t have libraries any longer and any study centre or spare room would need to be staffed and supervised.

Thats not to say it can’t happen, but it’s one of those circumstances that should be decided upon and plans made, before it becomes urgent.

Then you had a rubbish Music department. My experience at school was phenomenal and has left a lasting, life-long legacy.

Well it's been a thing for centuries, so there's been plenty of time 😁

Fasting IS obligatory for Muslims, btw. The exceptions are clearly outlined, but for everyone else it's not optional as suggested by a previous poster.

@Redebs I assume you get lapsed Muslims like you do with those in the Christian faith.

Of course they can’t participate in the music side but they could write about musicians or something along those lines, Muslim children want to fast because it makes them feel grown up, children usually fast ages 11 or 12.

I am muslim that is ridiculous

How old?

Really I'd expect the parents to have mentioned it if they're too young for something to have been sorted last year.

Our school would probably put them in with another year with worksheets if primary, or probably in the library if seniors

What has been done by the school to establish whether or not listening to music breaks the fast? A quick google on here gives the answer.

So a Muslim child sitting out a music lesson during Ramadan is 'ridiculous'..... But a JW child sitting out RE lessons (ALL RE lessons, not just one or for a short period of time) is fine. Huh.