Can I study other religions in RE class as a Muslim?
Yes, you can study other religions in RE class as a Muslim. Learning what other people believe is not the same as believing it. You can take notes, write essays and pass exams on Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism or Sikhism while staying a confident Muslim.
Learning about a belief is not accepting it
RE (Religious Education) in the UK, and world religions classes in Europe and the USA, teach facts: what a religion teaches, its festivals, holy books and history. Writing "Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God" in an exam is a correct description, not a statement of your own faith. Scholars generally see this kind of study as allowed, as long as it doesn't shake your own belief or require you to take part in worship.
The Quran itself discusses other faiths in detail, including Jews, Christians and idol worshippers, and it speaks respectfully of earlier prophets. See Do Muslims believe in the Bible?
Respect without compromise
Islam asks you to be fair and polite about other beliefs, even while you disagree. RE helps with that: you'll understand your classmates, neighbors and non-Muslim family better, and you'll be ready to explain where Islam agrees and differs. See What is Islam's view of Hinduism?
Where to draw the line
- Fine: reading texts, visiting a place of worship to observe, writing essays, discussing ethics.
- Not fine: joining in a prayer, saying a creed, or taking part in a ritual as worship. Politely ask to watch instead.
- Exam answers: answer from the point of view the question asks for. If it says "evaluate", you can add the Muslim view too.
- Assemblies: collective worship is a separate issue. See Can I attend school assemblies with Christian prayers?
If the class unsettles you
Some new Muslims find comparative religion raises new questions. That's normal and not a sin. Write the questions down and ask a knowledgeable Muslim teacher or imam. In the UK, parents can also request withdrawal from RE, but most Muslim families find staying in is more useful.
- Studying other religions in RE is allowed.
- Describing a belief in an exam is not believing it.
- Observe worship, but don't join it.
- Take any doubts to a trusted Muslim teacher.
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Read the full answer →Are Christians considered kafir in Islam?
It depends: technically kafir means a non-Muslim, but the Quran calls Christians People of the Book, and the word is not meant as an insult.
Read the full answer →Can I keep my old rosary after becoming Muslim?
You can keep an old rosary as a stored family keepsake after becoming Muslim, but don't wear it or pray with it. Use a misbaha or fingers for dhikr.
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No, Muslims don't wear a cross as jewelry or a religious sign. Plus signs and the Red Cross differ, and scholars differ on flags and crests.
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No, most scholars say Muslims shouldn't eat prasad, food offered to a Hindu deity, but ordinary festival food that wasn't offered is usually fine.
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