With the backing of the Education Secretary, British schoolchildren will be learning about the true meaning of Islam. I doubt Sura 9:5 or 9:29, or the Banu Qurayzah massacre, or the definitions of jihad as offensive warfare that are circulated among Muslims will be part of the curriculum. Should they be, in a positive presentation? Of course they should. This is a chance for Iqbal Sacranie to prove that the terrorists are as illegitimate from an Islamic standpoint as he claims they are. But no one still has refuted their arguments. From the BBC, with thanks to Admiral Don Juan:
The initiative, backed by the Education Secretary, Charles Clarke, will see books on Islam going into schools nationwide.
Organisers hope it will help overcome barriers to how non-Muslims understand the faith.
And Mr Clarke said the project would help strengthen a multi-faith, multi-cultural society.
The “Books for Schools” resource packs include books, videos and CDs.
It aims to inform debate among both teachers and pupils and is designed to fit into Key Stages 1 and 2 of religious education – primary schooling.
Most of the pack focuses on group work where pupils use the materials to learn more about the key pillars of Islam and the tenets of Muslim life.
The scheme has the backing of educationalists in many areas, who had approached the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) to help with their teaching on Islam.
Islam appears in the national curriculum as part of teaching on world religions.
But many Muslims say schools do not provide non-Muslims a sufficiently detailed introduction to how the practicalities of the faith, such as ritual charitable giving and fasting. Many schools also rely on materials which are outdated, they say.
They hope the new packs, which cost £250 each, aim to change that and follow a similar scheme introduced in the United States.
‘Better understanding’
Charles Clarke said he supported the scheme’s aims.
“It is only through understanding that this country can move forward as a true multi-faith and multicultural society,” said Mr Clarke.
“We must ensure children grow up with a better understanding of their friends and neighbours.
“The Muslim Council of Britain’s initiative, books for schools, brings us much closer towards that goal.”