Im a secularist, and generally oppose religious schools on the grounds that they can breed mutual alienation (Im not a tremendous fan of religion at all, but thats another matter). But an article by Jay Tolson suggests an interesting point in favour of state-backed Islamic schools.
schools such as Islamia--one of the first five Muslim faith schools to receive state funding in Britain--can play a vital role in hammering out a new Muslim identity, one that combines being a good Muslim with being a good citizen in a pluralist society. ... That identity is clearly at odds with the one being pushed by Islamic extremists throughout Europe, often in innocent-seeming sports clubs or after-school Koran classes taught by Saudi-trained imams. Their vision of Islam appeals to many of the... children of Pakistani, Turkish, or North African immigrants... Often raised in households where religion is a loose cultural matter, they are easily seduced by the austere Wahhabi-Salafist vision of a global community of the faithful living under strict Islamic law. Attracted by the moral absolutism, some are even drawn to the violent ways of the jihadists.
Muslim schools provide an antidote... by exposing students to the classical Islamic traditions, whose richness was derived partly from their openness to changing cultural conditions. In addition, argues Asmat Ali, head of the girls' upper-school division of Islamia, Muslim schools give students confidence in their own Muslim identity, a confidence that makes them more at ease with their Britishness.
If the European educational system does not play a constructive role in the religious education of devout European Muslims, then where will that education come from, and how will it be shaped? Part of Europe's difficulties today stems from the fact that most European imams and many of the Muslim leaders in prominent national organizations tend to be either religious conservatives or reactionaries--or simply out of touch with the rising generation of European Muslims. How can a new and visionary cadre of European Muslim leaders be created unless instruction in responsible and broad-minded Islam receives government support or at least government encouragement?
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/051121/21muslims.htm
Now, I can already hear Davids scepticism of the merits of classical Islamic traditions, but there is clearly a big non-jihadist majority among Muslims, and there are thinkers past and present to draw on who dont preach extremism.
Given that state-sponsored Christian schools tend more towards the tambourine than to the fire and brimstone, it seems reasonable that Islamic schools would be more moderate than the unofficial madrassas mentioned above.
Im far from persuaded, but this seems a reasonable point in their favour. I suppose one question here is: Is it more important to integrate mainstream Muslims with the rest of society, or to integrate the minority of young potential radicals into the mainstream of Islam?
Tom,
While the idea has its merits, I think it's flawed. Firstly, it assumes that state-funded religious schools will promote moderate and pluralistic views. Secondly, whatever the curriculum, I think that segregating pupils according to their religious background will only emphasise social differences. After all, we learn more through experience that through words on a white-board.
An inclusive, pluralistic state-school system that ensures everyone enjoys an equal education, surrounded by pupils from a multitude of different backgrounds, seems to be the only way to ease social tensions.
We need to create a national identity capable of including a wide-array of cultural practices, yet based around strong core values of equality and liberty (or real "respect" to borrow New Labour's term). I don't see how that can be done by teaching people differently, no matter what the apparent short-term benefits.
Matt,
Yes, I pretty much agree with you there. It's all very well to tell children that everyone's equal, but trying to do so while showing them, by segregation, that the differences are fundamental, is going to be a tough job.
Just thought this might be an interesting kite to fly.
The demand for state funded Muslim schools is in accordance with the law of the land. Bilingual Muslim children need bilingual Muslim teachers as role models. They need to learn Standard English to follow the National Curriculum and go for higher education and research to serve humanity. They need to learn Arabic to recite and understand the Holy Quran. They need to learn Islamic Studies to develop Islamic Identity which is crucial for mental, emotional and personality development. The children from the sub-continent need to learn Urdu to keep in touch with their cultural roots. They need to enjoy the beauty of Urdu literature and poetry for their social and emotional development.
There are hundreds of state schools where Muslim children are in majority. In my opion all such schools may be designated as Muslim community schools.
