Boys given detention for refusing Muslim prayer

Two schoolboys from Stoke-on-Trent have been punished by their comprehensive school teacher for refusing to pray to Allah.

The boys, from Alsager High School in Cheshire, were given detention after they said they didn’t want take part in the Muslim prayer as part of their Religious Education class.

Parents are furious at how the boys were treated by the state-run mixed comprehensive school.

The boys’ RE teacher gave out prayer mats and told the year seven class (eleven- to twelve-year-olds) to kneel down in prayer to the Muslim deity.

They were also told to wear Muslim headgear during the lesson.

One parent said: “This isn’t right, it’s taking things too far.

“I understand that they have to learn about other religions. I can live with that but it is taking it a step too far to be punished because they wouldn’t join in Muslim prayer.

“Making them pray to Allah, who isn’t who they worship, is wrong and what got me is that they were told they were being disrespectful.

“I don’t want this to look as if I have a problem with the school because I am generally very happy with it.”

Another added: “The school is wonderful but this one teacher has made a major mistake. It seems to be happening throughout society. People think they can ride roughshod over our beliefs and the way we live.”

A statement from Cheshire County Council on behalf of Alsager High School read: “The headteacher David Black contacted this authority immediately complaints were received.

“Enquiries are being made into the circumstances as a matter of urgency and all parents will be informed accordingly.

“Educating children in the beliefs of different faiths is part of the diversity curriculum on the basis that knowledge is essential to understanding.”

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