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.)

So the gods and stories of the Hellenic religion are consigned to the myths and legends curriculum in English class? Yet the same types of figures and stories are supposed to be treated differently in another.

Don't believe what? Any of it?

@Ponderingwindow I didn't make the curriculum or write the stories or labelled them as such world wide. There are also Norse and Roman myths and legends.

Like the difference between current affairs and history or a lesson about lions and elephants compared to one about dinosaurs.

One has people who currently observe the faith, the other doesn't.

Rather underscores the fact that faith is all madey up bollocks then.

Or should that be all faith is madey up bollocks ?

There are still people following the Hellenic religion, and Norse religions. Just because it is a small population doesn’t mean they deserve less consideration than a dominant religion.

this is my point about respect vs neutrality. Some religions are treated with respect and some are treated as myths and fairy tales. Schools and society should not be allowed to pick and choose.

I would treat belief's religious beliefs with respect. Like I wouldn't intentionally scuff up a bible or a Koran of a copy of the Vedas.

I would treat belief's religious beliefs with respect.

I treat religions with respect as far as they respect me

I wouldn't intentionally scuff up a bible or a Koran of a copy of the Vedas.

Not really fan of book burnings myself ...

"As far as they respect you?"- what do you mean by that?

There aren't enough New Age/Wiccans/Asatru/Pagans to justify a chunk of the curriculum based upon major world religions, followed by billions, being devoted to them. However, the belief systems that contributed hugely to modern civilisations are still being respected by teaching what is necessary for children to acquire cultural capital as well as understanding history.

It can also be included in RE - along with others that are not so Eurocentric - as examples of creation stories (and explains the use of the name Hades in Christianity). I don't see it as insulting to give examples of creation stories from multiple cultures - especially as three major ones share the same one.

Are you sire the teacher isn't taking the piss?

Good point.
They are all myths imo

I remember when DS was in year 7 (at a grammar school) and doing RS. His documents about islam had pbuh in brackets when refering to the prophet.

No atheists don't believe there is a soul hanging about in purgatory waiting for judgement day. So there is nowhere for this soul to be "peacefully resting"
A lot of Protestants don't use the phrase either as they don't believe in purgatory

Atheists would not use phrases such as Amen or PBWH either as they are religious phrases. I would very strongly object to my child being asked by a teacher to recite any such ritual

Why should they speak respectfully about any religious figures?

Why ever not? Why do people have an issue respecting other's religions and beliefs?

I'd be whipping my child out of that school pronto.

If they deserve it, sure. But if they don’t? Be disrespectful.

It implies you can’t criticise them or be disrespectful if you disagree with them. Being a religious figure does not mean you should automatically confer any more respect to a person than any other human being.

There’s no point. We’re in Ireland and it’s nearly all catholic schools which are more or less the same. Next year we’re going to get her taken out of religion classes but I’m sure she will still pick up some of it.

Well they bloody well should!!!

Interestingly I read recently that conspiracy theorists and people who believe in massive organised world networks are seeking that which religion gives, an answer, a reason, organisation and purpose.

For me the huge difference with Islam is that you can be actually killed, made to live in fear if you willingly criticise it and even accidentally criticise it.. That's a massive worry to me and I think that needs to change

Edited to add :my dd went to a Catholic school and very early on she decided she didn't want any part of it. My dh and I were fine with that.
But she's open about her dislike of religion and now at secondary school she's made friends with a lovely young lady but whose family are Muslim.
I'm worried and I've had to warn her to never ever discuss religion or her feelings with her friend
It would never occur to me to say this had she had a protestant friend, hindu, seek etc.

They won't though. Neither should people be forced to.
The only reason Islam gets this kid glove treatment is because you risk your life to disrespect it.
I assume that Battley teacher is still in hiding?

I've been to Iran and had to wear the clothing, it is inconvenient and restricting. Covering the hair and neck is extremely hot. The long flowing clothes are a trip hazard going up stairs and get stuck in doors. We can argue that women want to wear these clothes, but let's not pretend that they are as practical and easy to move/live in as men's clothes. The same goes for high heeled shoes that women of all religious (and none) wear.

Oh, that makes things - er - challenging then.