Muslim prayers

[Amibeingtoosensitive]

My DD (9) had R.E today
They were learning about Muslim prayers. All fine.
They then went on to get prayer mats and say a Muslim prayer, with their shoes off, on their knees as a group.

AIBU to feel uncomfortable about my DD being made to do a religious practice we do not believe in.

There won't be any Chaz that's not true.

Ivor I'd be interested to read about the case you mention if you remember it. There are no religious education classes taught here in US public schools per se. The major religions can only be taught in a historical, cultural, literary, or social context, for example as one would learn about ancient Greek religion in a Greek Mythology or Western Civilization class. Under no context would they be allowed to actually have students say prayers as a group, even in the context of 'pretending'.

Anon
Supernatural? you wanted to say "spiritual"?

So what on earth is the nativity if not play acting - but hey lets get our kids all dressed up PRETEND TO BE JESUS MARY AND JOSEPH and accept this is apart of life because u no its the norm. Lol im actually laughing

Islam is studied by all schools along with other faiths as part of religious education. I have no issue with this and DS has been studying it this term too.
I am not sure that practising this way of praying is particularly meaningful for children....it's a good way to get them out of their seats but that's it. Haven't heard that DS has done this though...not that he tells me anything lol.

Lots of ways of demonstrating prayer without getting the children taking part.

But then I guess they were not praying...they were just adopting the position that Muslims do for prayer. Not sure they especially need to do this but I wouldn't be getting over worked up about it. Would just be a bit puzzled that they couldn't have found another way.

ChrisYoung
What do you mean schools that are not allowed to teach Christianity?
Factual evidence please?

I think that's mainly in American schools - I'm trying to find the articles I read about it.

Im not choosing to be confrontational. Im just shocked by how many people wouldnt allow there children to take part in a lesson teaching about islam. Then they defend there actions. When at the same time its ok for there non christian children to stick cloves in oranges with candles and all sorts at christmas. And celebrate jesus' birthday. Woo parenting.

So what on earth is the nativity if not play acting - but hey lets get our kids all dressed up PRETEND TO BE JESUS MARY AND JOSEPH and accept this is apart of life because u no its the norm. Lol im actually laughing

That's totally different. It's acting out a bible story. The children aren't being led through how to pray.

I don't know why schools bother with RE anymore when there are so many (ignorant) parents out there prepared to get up in arms about it. We did it in the eighties and no one was bothered. Your children are learning about other cultures. The horror!

Supernatural? grin you wanted to say "spiritual"?

Is there a difference?

As for the Lord's prayer.

Muslim parents know about it. THey can therefore coach their children in advance.

THat was apparently not possible in this case. PArents didn't have the option to talk with their children in advance, tell them they have the right to refuse it etc.

Because if you're a kid that age and ateacher tells you to do something? You do it.

I taught RE for years in a primary school that was 50% Muslim. When we learnt about prayers some of the Muslim children demonstrated the prayers. Their parents were aware and happy for them to do it. The other children who were not withdrawn from RE watched.

Reteacher101
Isn't it funny how people can never quite find the evidence that has been all over the news.

Im just shocked by how many people wouldnt allow there children to take part in a lesson teaching about islam

Nothing to do with Islam in particular. Learn about ALL religions yes, take part in their worship NO.

My muslim daughter is visiting a gurdwara she HAS to cover her head if she wants to attend. I am an athiest and have NO problem with this because she is 7

I don't understand how an atheist parent can have a muslim/Catholic/Christian child. I don't understand how that could come about.

Im just shocked by how many people wouldnt allow there children to take part in a lesson teaching about islam.

I'd be totally happy for children to learn about Islam. I wouldn't be happy for them to be "praying".

Anon
There are at least over two billion people in this world who think there is. The more respect we give each other in these turbulent times the better.
I don't believe in supernatural but my "spiritual" is my spritual and I would like you o respect that just as I understand both mean the same to you.

Christmas and Easter are still religious in origin whether you adhere to the christian aspect or not. Buying 'easter eggs' , easter bunnies, decorating trees, hot cross buns, shiny decorations, and exchanging gifts are all religious practices before christianity. I question how staunch atheists are who still take part in any of these practices.

Having said that, I would be very angry had my child been forced to take part in this. Learning about other peoples religions is fine, forcing children to take part in prayer without any permission from parents is wrong.

I have no issue with children being shown how various faiths practice prayer as part of religious education. DS had a fetching set of Rosary beads for a while (Catholic school) which he used as a direct line to the Big Man in the Sky ...especially at bedtime when he used to ask "Big Man" to "stop Mummy getting cross about when I keep getting out of bed" . He was 6 at the time.

At 14 he doesn't believe in anything and is quite up front about that. He has had a full range of religious education including the Nativity plays etc.

Hence I can't get excited about whether he is copying how Muslims pray in an RE lesson or not.

None of the Muslim kids I have taught over the last 20+ years have ever opted out of anything - 2 of them bought me a Xmas present last year. The only ones I've ever known to kick up a fuss have been the evangelical christians, jehovah's witnesses and mormons.

It's funny how people are happy to ignore the fact that they live in a country traditionally christian, with christian values. The fact that we overcame religion nowadays doesn't destroy our entire heritage, the basis of our current laws and believes and quirks built over centuries. You can gently erase the religious aspects of most things, slowly, but it's stupid to pretend transforming everything.

Does the christian faith/catholic/jewish faith all speak nonsense too?
Mostly, yes.

if Jesus existed I rather he was a hippy and was probably born in September due to the Shepards being out.

Christmas is when Father Christmas comes in this house... no Jesus worship here!

I'm an atheist but I'm fascinated by different belief systems, and I see RE as an introduction to philosophical discussions for kids. It allows them to explore various ideas, and understand that we're all different. But, hey ho. Seems some posters wish that Independent Thought Alarm on The Simpsons actually existed..