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.)

Why should non-Muslims do it when writing in RE?

Would you have done it if you had mentioned the prophet Muhammed on this thread? Why?

It is a sign of respect within Islam. It is completely unnecessary outside that religious context.

😮 😮 That’s crazy and I can’t believe the school are facilitating this, can you imagine the uproar if this happened in a workplace?!!

Why on earth would you be having an RE lesson in the workplace??

It’s a RE lesson. They’re basically ’role playing’ at Islam to teach the children the customs of a particular religion. They’ll only be expected to do that within that lesson. They won’t be expected to continue it, or to convert to Islam!

There’s nothing crazy about it at all.

Excuse me...where in my post do I mention islamaphobia?

Because it’s acknowledgement of Jesus being a prophet

Mohammed is not a prophet to Christians or to non believers so it’s just words without any sentiment

empty words

my dad says grace before a meal I do not I don’t believe in God (upsetting for my dad) but I bow my head but I will not say empty words it’s a lie and should not be encouraged to please those that do believe

Isn't it just be respectful to other religions?

Do atheists not use the expression Rest in Peace? - genuinely interested. I'm Catholic and wouldn't have a problem with it, I do wish peace on Mohammed I wish peace for everyone. If the teacher was getting them to recite the Shahadah then I would have an issue but this is literally saying for someone who died a long time ago to be at peace - isn't it?

Quite possible. However that doesn't prevent a civilised debated about the issues it raises, surely ?

Admittedly, if there is ever going to be a solution to the question relationship various religions have with the ongoing secular life of Britain it's unlikely to be on MN on a Sunday morning. But that's not reason not to try.

Hopefully someone reading this will learn that tiny bit more they can use in their daily life. For example one poster quoted direct from the Koran about forced observance being directly against Islam. Fact rather than imaginings.

A lot of Islamophobia stems from rather strident Muslims browbeating ignorant non Muslims with a stick of "our book says this". A trick they may have picked up from Christians. Rather than slinking off muttering about "muslemics" and letting ignorance fester, it can be illuminating to dig a little and discover that actually. No. It doesn't say that. Or (more often) it does say that in the middle of a bit where it makes it clear there are other considerations.

And if you can't find it our from reading, why not ask ? Generally most folk are more than happy to explain what their believe in.

Being somewhat of an atheist, I have no time for the conceit of religions with supernatural beings dishing out favours. Obviously that is a complete crock. However they have lead to cultural artefacts that remain in society.

Only today I read of the House of Commons looking to scrap morning (Christian) prayers. With the added irony that a Muslim MP is opposed. And even as an atheist I think having a few moments private reflection before the start of business in such a privileged and powerful role may not be inappropriate. Just make it "however you pray"

Just for balance really aggressive atheists can piss me off too. Especially the dim ones. And there are plenty of them about too.

It's only appropriate if 1) when Jesus Christ is mentioned, the whole class has to say "Our Lord and Father the Most High Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, the Lamb of God, Son of the Most High and 2) if God is mentioned, the whole class has to say Praise Be to God or Shalom, depending on whether it's the Christian God or the Jewish God that has been mentioned in that particular instance.

Seriously though, I think that this is actually offensive to the Christians or other religions in the class and against their religion, if they have one! Imagine if the situation were reversed. There would be outrage.

Do atheists not use the expression Rest in Peace? - genuinely interested. I'm Catholic and wouldn't have a problem with it, I do wish peace on Mohammed I wish peace for everyone.

The people of their choosing, presumably, like offering condolences to someone who has recently had a loved one die.
I don't have any particular burning desire to wish peace on any long-dead historal figure. I mean who next - Napoleon? Henry the 8th?

You may wish peace on everyone, but I note you didn't write PBUH when you referred to the prophet Mohammed. Nor should you if it's not your religious practice.

When I refer to Jesus Christ, I never refer to him as "our Lord" or "our saviour". Christians do.

It’s acknowledging who they are on context of the religion

if I don’t believe in God how can I acknowledge that I believe someone is the prophet of god

I lived in a Muslim country it was expected there and I kept my views to myself, on the odd occasion I spoke about being a non believer I was met with sympathy and astonishment rather than scorn but it was easier to keep quiet l. I have family who are Muslim there isn’t an expectation from them again they think one day I shall see the light and believe

we do not live in a country where religion is so entwined with life and there is freedom to express views without fear and that to me is also not having to pray/say grace/acknowledge who a person is in relation to God/a god

If this is included as a matter of course in writing (which is the main form of assessment for the subject) it shows understanding of what's been learned about the religion.

It's hardly an objectionable sentiment, much like naming someone who has passed and following with 'may s/he rest in peace'.

It's the same God for all three.

It's a lot like MFL teachers expecting pupils to answer in the target language, when they have the knowledge and are ready.

I can['t believe no one thought of this ?

Absolutely not, 100% NO. I work in a very multi cultural primary school and no way would this be allowed. If anyone wants a particular faith to be singled out then find a school of that faith and send your kids there or in this case the teacher can get a job there.

we do not live in a country where religion is so entwined with life

That doesn't mean there aren't people who would like it that way

and there is freedom to express views without fear

Er, you are aware of the culture of fear that is being pushed by some lunatics in pursuit of their poppycock about people being able to change sex which makes

"not having to pray/say grace/acknowledge who a person is in relation to God/a god"

look like a disagreement over brands of toilet paper.

I am aware of arguments on SM but I can still voice my opinion without the morality police arresting me

this discussion couldn’t even happen in some countries

Exactly!!!!! The children should be taught about all religions and decide for themselves and that is the whole point! Many are missing it.

That's what Harry Miller thought. Until he had a knock from the police "checking his thinking". And then noting his name on a list.

I would 100% not agree with my child doing this.

Are children of the Muslim faith asked to do things which a Christian or Catholic would do?

SerendipityJane, so funny, thanks. I think all religions need to laugh at themselves and not take themselves too seriously. I assume we don't make muslim children in secular schools make the sign of the cross so I don't see why we have to make the 94% of non people in the Uk who are not muslim wish peace on something that does not exist - it is like saying - Thou must lie.

I think the OP should approach the school, perhaps thinking their child has misunderstood.

I am all for schools making people aware of different religious festivals, and object to those who want public bodies to never mention Christmas, but do not want children saying what for many will be empty words.

Yes that's what I tend to think