Can Muslims join the Scouts or Girl Guides?

Why scouting fits Muslim values

Helping others, honesty, keeping fit, caring for nature and being prepared are all things Islam encourages. The Quran tells believers to help each other in good:

Thousands of Muslim children already take part. In the UK there are Muslim-led Scout groups, often based at mosques, and Muslim Girl Guide units, and there are Muslim Scout troops in the USA too.

The promise

Scouts and Guides make a promise when they join. In the UK, the Scout Association offers different versions, including one that says "duty to Allah", and Girlguiding's promise asks members to be true to themselves and develop their beliefs. A Muslim should only promise what matches their faith, so pick the wording that fits, or ask the leader about alternatives. Avoid any version that would mean pledging to another religion's God or taking part in another faith's worship.

Practical questions for leaders

• Mixed groups: many groups are mixed. That's workable for younger children; for teens, ask about single-gender patrols, tents and changing. See Can I still play on a mixed sports team as a Muslim?
• Camps: ask for halal or vegetarian food and a few minutes to pray. A compass skill doubles as a qibla finder.
• Uniform: long trousers, long sleeves and headscarves are usually accepted. Girlguiding and the Scouts allow religious dress.
• Church parades: some groups attend services on Remembrance Sunday or St George's Day. You can stand respectfully with the group without joining the worship. See Can Muslims take part in interfaith prayer services?

Good for converts' families too

For a child in a convert family, scouting keeps old friendships going and builds confidence. Joining a mosque-based group also gives them Muslim friends who share the same adventures. See Can my children have non-Muslim friends?