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.)

@caringcarer yeah...no. That’s not how it works.

Wtaf? How exceedingly rude!

I remember talking about Islam during RE class in yr 5 back in the late 90’s. The teacher explained about the Quran being placed higher than any other book as a mark of respect, so the copy she brought in to show us was placed up high and covered with an ornate cloth. She explained about saying peace be upon him, she said this every time she said the name but I don’t recall the children being asked to do the same. A basic understanding of Islam was taught just as Christianity and Judaism was. This was in a very white southern English village, no one was upset or outraged.

I know people in America and was really surprised that RE is not taught as standard in most schools (state dependent) so kids get no understanding of different beliefs and cultures which I think is a massive shame, it just leads to ignorance of others.

Personally I think you are overreacting, look at it as saying ‘peace be upon him’ as his surname if it makes you feel better. No one is indoctrinating or pushing beliefs, it’s just education.

Absolutely not.
No child should be forced to follow any religion.

I vote 3 as well.

likely

The best chance we have of promoting a more tolerant and respectful society is through showing tolerance and respect and education.

If you say so. As you will see from my posts across MN, I have a good working knowledge of most UK religions despite thinking they are all equally total and utter poppycock. That's because I actually educated myself though.

I'm white British and not religious in the slightest but I would always say PBUH if I happened to mention the prophet Muhammed, not that he comes up in conversation often. I thought it was just polite. This wouldn't bother me at all.

But that was when you were at a Catholic religious ceremony, not simply learning about Catholicism in a class.

My atheist child is at a technically Catholic school. The only manifestation of this is a once-a day prayer over the PA. I asked DS what he does while this is going on. He said 'I look out of the window with the Muslims.'

Or, it’s a difference in belief but fundamentally both religions believe he is the Messiah and that he will return. Isn’t it better to look at similarities rather than wedge through differences?

Do you remember when we had a tidal wave of finger waggers to berate op's for having concerns about the teaching of trans ideology in schools. It was a firewall of denial and then, of course, we all find out that it was true and was an increasingly common practice.

So excuse me if I afford some space to consider that this may be true and am not completely convinced by your claims that it doesn't happen but if it were true, you would be super cool with it anyway.

NO.. my children would not be saying that at all.

Let's get away from religions people feel sensitive about and suppose I'm a follower of Arkleseizure. My religion requires me when I say the name of my god to throw myself to the ground and shout "all other gods, bar Arkleseizure are fake"

Now will those saying 'respect' do that with me or not?

If not then the whole concept of respecting other religions falls apart doesn't it.

It is not indoctrination. 🙄 How dramatic. Teaching children about religion is not the same as teaching children to be religious.

I thought you were going to say that this is a school of mostly Muslim children and staff! Looks like the teacher is being sensitive on someone else's behalf, without even asking them if it's a problem in the first place. If the only Muslim in the class doesn't have a problem I don't understand why the teacher is even thinking of this (I'd have a problem with it even if he did but that's another convo).
This screams to me of virtue signalling imo. I'd ask to speak to her and ask why she thinks this is appropriate in the circumstances, and speak to her head of year/dept or head teacher if she's unresponsive.
Do you know what other parents think about it?

We did get taught this in the 90's, but obviously no one had to say it.

It's all wrong to me. I had a strong sense religion was stupid from a young age (hardcore atheist by secondary age) and I HATED being made to pray in assembly. By all means teach children about different religions, but stop making them partake in them.

He isn't worshipped, any more than Christians worship John the Baptist or Ezekiel.

I would call the HT and say NO.

Given that they are only stories I agree with you.

Of course if I thought my story actually came from the creator of the universe and that the distortions the other lot were introducing would take people away from worshipping him that would be another matter. (that works both ways of course)

The thing is, Islam is at most one half term in the year. 6/7 lessons if nothing else interferes with it. Using a PowerPoint or teaching resource that used that form of address, or even using it herself, won't turn a child Muslim or Muhammed worshipper. Or suddenly make him believe Allah it's the one true God , out of all the religions they learn about, which include Christianity, Judaism, Sikhism, Buddhism , Hinduism.

The only one that gets "meaty" representation and is often stated as fact is Christianity. The others, it's a few weeks , once a year and they’re pretty boring tbh.

Plus, OP hasn't actually confirmed the teacher actively ASKED the children to use that address.

I had children claim all kinds of things happened at school(including my own), 99% of the time it was some kind of misunderstanding.

A Catholic school is majority Muslim? How times have changed 🤨

oh dont forget its half term so no school next week

It's not half term here.

Ew I'd forgotten they said that. It sure is a creepy book/series, that one. And "under his eye"... ew

where?