UK fasting ban on students criticized

LONDON: Several primary schools in London are forbidding students from fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, because of concerns for the children’s health. The Barclay School and three other Lion Academy Trust schools sent a letter to parents saying Ramadan comes at the hottest time of the year and at a particularly busy time of the school year with added sporting and other events. The school letter, signed by “Mr. Wright, Acting Head of School” and posted on the school and trust Web sites, says that school officials “sought guidance” and learned that Islamic law does not require children to fast. It suggested older children who wanted to take part in fasting “do so at weekends”. The move has been slammed by members of the Muslim community who said schools should seek to support parents instead of ‘blanket enforce’ their own rules when it comes to religion. Critics said the move was an overreaction and unnecessary. Some in the community, including the Muslim Association of Britain, criticized the decision and said that Islam itself has “sufficient and stringent rules” to protect children during Ramadan, according to a Daily Express story. Ajmal Masroor, imam and spokesman for the Islamic Society of Britain, said children were not expected to fast, especially not primary school children. He said: “It could have been easily resolved by just speaking to parents. Now we have another negative story against the Muslim community — as if we don't have enough already.” The action was “stupidly foolish”, he said. -arabnews