In my youth I was a member of a UK organisation that called itself “The Movement to Reform the Muslim Youth”. Back then, we regrettably had an extremist mindset that was characterised by dreams of global domination for Islam. These would involve the re-establishment of a caliphate and the enforcing of a narrow, sectarian, xenophobic and puritanical theology.
.... None of the revelations that have come to light in recent weeks as a result of investigations into the plot surprise me. These include the findings in Peter Clarke’s draft report, leaked to the Guardian, which found strong evidence of an Islamist agenda ruining a small number of schools in Birmingham. The methods are familiar to me, as is the mindset that inspires them.
[A COMMENT] I have come to the conclusion that there should be no religious instruction in our schools. If parents choose to indoctrinate their offspring in ancient wizardry why should I as a taxpayer foot the bill?
[ANOTHER] Religion has no place in schools, other than as something to be taught about in its historical and cultural context, or as part of comparative mythology. There is no place for compulsory worship in schools, nor for any form of religious indoctrination. The 1944 Education Act was utterly wrong-headed to enforce religious observance in non-faith schools, and faith schools should be abolished.
[ANOTHER] "State schools should be totally free of all religion." I now agree with this, though previously I didn't, but despite being a Muslim, the potential it has to cause problems is obvious.
.... It is up to parents to take responsibility for whatever religious education and experiences they want their children to have. If they aren't prepared to undertake that, they should have no choice but to accept that state schools in this country are not going to adopt that role. [Guardian Cif] Read more
