Can I withdraw my child from religious education at school?

Religious education and worship are different

Schools often treat these as two separate things:

• Religious education (RE) is a lesson about religions and beliefs, how people live and what they hold dear. The aim is to understand, not to convert.
• Worship means prayers, hymns or religious services, such as in an assembly or a school service.

Islam does not forbid learning about other faiths. The Quran gives a respectful principle for living alongside others: "You have your way, and I have my Way" (Quran 109:6). It also says Allah does not forbid us from dealing kindly and fairly with those who have not fought us over religion (Quran 60:8). Understanding what your neighbors believe is part of being a good neighbor. See Can I study other religions in RE class as a Muslim?

What the rules usually look like

• England and Wales: parents can usually withdraw their child from RE and from collective worship. Ask the school how to do it, and what alternative is provided. Faith schools have their own rules.
• United States: public schools generally teach about religion rather than lead worship, and policies on opting out of particular activities vary by state and district. Private and religious schools set their own rules.
• Elsewhere in Europe: practice varies widely, from strictly secular schools to schools with religion classes, sometimes with an alternative subject such as ethics. Ask the school directly.

These are general guides only, so check your own school's policy and local law.

Questions to ask before deciding

• What does the RE syllabus cover, and how is Islam taught?
• Are any activities devotional, such as praying, making religious objects or singing hymns?
• Can my child opt out of certain parts only?
• What will my child do instead during that time?

Options for Muslim families

• Stay in RE. It can teach respect, and your child can explain Islam to classmates. Talk afterwards about anything that conflicts with your beliefs.
• Opt out of worship only. This is a common middle path. See Can I attend school assemblies with Christian prayers?
• Withdraw from specific lessons if the material is inaccurate about Islam or asks pupils to take part in worship.
• Withdraw fully and arrange alternative learning, such as library time, or Islamic studies at home or at a weekend school.

If you're unsure, talk to the teacher first. Many teachers welcome help to make lessons about Islam more accurate. For teaching about other faiths at home, see How do I teach my kids about other religions as a Muslim?