School is asking children to say ‘peace be upon him’ anytime Mohammed is mentioned

[Kitkat189]

My child’s teacher asks the class to always say ‘peace be upon him’ if the prophet Muhammed is mentioned in RE, for example. Used in a sentence it would be something like ‘Muhammad peace be upon him is the founder of Islam’

The teacher explained that this is to show respect to the Muslims in the class.

This is the first time I’ve ever heard of this. Is there an expectation that non Muslims use this expression? Or is it more of a courtesy? I am guessing the latter?

And if it’s the former, should people be compelled to utter this phrase out of respect? To literally wish peace upon a prophet of a religion they don’t belong to? I realise this is not a problem for the majority of people but out of interest, would a devout follower of another religion have objections to this?

(This is year 6, teacher is not Muslim, there is one Muslim in the class whose family are pretty secular, he told the teacher he doesn’t use this expression himself.)

@vi0letfemme what form does this forcing take?

What did the teacher actually say?

Is there a consequence for not saying pbuh? Do they get told off? Their answer ignored until they say it properly? Miss play time?

Would it be respectful towards atheists, to make everyone religious say "Gods dont exist"? Being respectful doesn't equal forced speech, being respectful means allowing others to believe what they wish without harassment, and that goes in all directions.

I imagine it's their personal choice to both perform that ritual and to enter an Anglican church. If it's a choice freely made by them then it's no one else's business.

If they were to insist that other people, who may not share their belief in what constitutes respectful behaviour, did it then it would be a different matter.

Freedom of religion and belief is freedom to believe or not to believe. I would never disrupt anyone else's religious practice but I don't feel it's disrespectful if I don't join in.

What is expected of the students when other religions are mentioned? The sign of the Cross? Bowing heads?

Sounds as if the teacher hasn't thought this one all the way through.

Some religions avoid using the name of God - is this to happen in the classroom too?

Wind em up and watch em go eh OP?

In the same vein, would you all protest, withdraw your kids from RE , from the school, complain to Ofsted etc. , after your kid came home and did some mandala/rangoli patterns? Or role played a sikh/buddist/hindu ceremony or ritual? Or mixed some sugar water? Or was chosen as Mary/Joseph/angel in the nativity and you're an atheist?

Exactly. Not sure why so many posters are equating uttering religious formulas and making the sign of the cross with respect or learning about a religion. Respect is not mocking beliefs, refraining from saying things likely to be unnecessarily offensive, falling in with rules when visiting religious sites - or not visiting them. It is absolutely not, for a non-believer, enacting religious practice, which the examples given in this thread are.

My OH is catholic and crosses himself in Catholic churches. I don’t, because the gesture is meaningless to me and I’m not going to pretend to others I’m something I’m not. I do behave respectfully, however.

What about religions that avoid saying the name of God? Should a RE teacher avoid using that word and make sure all the students did too?

What about children who are atheists - should they be encouraged to venerate religious leaders?

Or children who take their own religion seriously? Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, etc?

I'd argue that this mouthing of veneration actually teaches nothing of the spirit of the words, which is after all, the important element. If I were a Muslim I'd be cross about this bone headed exercise.

I'm wondering what makes this particularly a problem?

I've had a hard time on mumsnet before for expressing that my children learn about other religions but because of religious beliefs do not celebrate Xmas or take part in worship at school. Do you have a problem with the children making and lighting candle holder for Diwali for example, or singing a hymn in assembly if you're atheist?
Is it just THIS particular act of of Islamic reverence that is a problem?

Apart from anything else I'd feel really silly wishing peace upon a long-dead historical figure that I don't have any personal connection to.

The bigger issue is it's not like making Diwali decorations, it's not just learning about another culture and religion and joining in a bit with an important festival. It's an utterance of belief, and that should be left to the believers.

I cant see why on earth that would be a problem! what is wrong with wishing peace?

Agree with this

Absolutely nothing, if someone wants to wish someone peace.

It’s being forced / told to say it that’s the problem

..like so many things in school, then. Times tables??

..like so many things in school, then. Times tables??

Times tables are factual. It's maybe not the best comparison.

Definitely inappropriate. This is the Uk, let’s not pander any more to Muslim minority

I don’t think anyone has a belief system centred around the times tables.

There’s a big difference between rote learning and being forced into expressing something that fits with someone’s beliefs that you don’t share.

think you’re confusing what pbuh means in this context. It’s hardly forcing anybody to share a belief system. It’s like responding to Happy Christmas with Happy Christmas …even if you’re not a Christian

Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wee donkey!!!!

Did this really happen or are you telling porkies?

No, it’s more like forcing someone to say “Happy Christmas” proactively when they don’t celebrate it.

Some people may choose to. Others won’t. Both are completely fine.

Islamophobia is not a good look.

@Kitkat189 no, I've never said it.

It's when you write it.

Are you sure the teacher isn't just saying it's a requirement when they write it?

The OP buggered off hours ago and hasn't returned – speaks volumes.