S

The Muslim Community in

Scouting

Item Code FS185024 Dec/02 Edition no 2 (103518) 0845 300 1818

The values, ethos, educational focus and oneness of God and in practising that belief. Allah
international scope of the Movement are all is everywhere and has revealed his message to
compatible with Muslim teaching. Young people in us through his Messengers and Prophets.
Scouting are encouraged to respect and love God
and other people and to cultivate a sense of moral
responsibility which are also fundamental
principles of Islam.

Almost a third of the 25 million Scouts world-wide

are Muslim, and 250,000 of the two million
Muslims in the United Kingdom are children and
young people of school age. The majority of
Muslims living in the United Kingdom have their
origins in the Punjab province and the Mirpur
Districts of Pakistan; in Bangladesh; in the Gujerat
state of India and in the Middle East and African ISLAM
countries of Egypt, Morocco and Somalia.
However, it is more often the case that they will Mohammed (peace be upon him) is the last and
now be second or third generation Muslims who most important prophet. Through him, Allah
have been born and brought up in the United revealed his final word which was collected in the
Kingdom. Holy Book the Qur’an (also written ‘Koran’).
Despite his centrality to the Islamic faith,
Muslims live according to a religious code of Mohammed is not the founder of the faith, but the
Islamic values and behaviour which embraces prophet (nabi) and messenger (rasul) of Allah; it
their culture, morals, family, social relationships, is Allah who is the source of Islam.
finance, justice, food and dress. It is a complete
way of life with an emphasis on what unites Muslims strive to adhere to the five pillars of faith.
people rather than on what divides them. This
leads Muslims to view themselves as one nation, 1. Shahadah: to declare the belief that Allah is
regardless of country of birth or national identity. the one Supreme Being and Mohammed is
As with any world religion, Islam is made up of His servant and final messenger.
millions of individuals and each person finds their
own way of expressing their belief. This factsheet 2. Salat: formal prayer which is observed five
aims to highlight the major common elements that times a day at prescribed times.
exist amongst the majority of Muslims.
3. Sawm: to fast during the month of Ramadhan
Muslims submit themselves to the Islamic faith – a from dawn until dusk. (i.e. abstaining from
faith that can be traced back to the prophet eating, drinking and smoking.)
Mohammed who lived between 570-632 CE
(Common Era – the term that is used by non- 4. Zakat: an obligatory 2.5% of a Muslim’s
Christians for AD). Islam means submission to untouched wealth is given annually for the
the will of Allah, which is the Arabic name for the welfare of the community.
one and true God. Muslims believe in one God, a
supreme being and creator of all humanity and 5. Hajj: pilgrimage – every Muslim strives to visit
Earth. The two complementary foundations of Mecca at least once during their lifetime.
Islam are belief and action: Muslims believe in the

The Scout Association

Gilwell Park Chingford London E4 7QW Tel + 44 (0)20 8433 7100 Fax + 44 (0)20 8433 7103 email info.centre@scouts.org.uk www.scouts.org.uk
page 2 of 5

Other aspects of Islam associated with the five WORSHIP AND PRAYER
pillars of Islam include:
The place of worship is the Mosque. Any clean
Muslims believe in Allah, Mohammed (peace be place where prayers could be held is regarded as
upon him) and the Qur’an and follow a religious a place of worship; this includes a Muslim home.
code which teaches respect and the love for Allah
and for other people, as well as generosity and Before praying, Muslims wash their hands, feet
modesty. and face. They remove their shoes when entering
the Mosque as a mark of respect, and they cover
their head with a cap or headscarf during prayer
time. Muslims pray five times a day facing the
THE HOLY BOOK - QUR’AN direction of Mecca (east from the United
Kingdom). There are set times – early dawn, mid-
Muslims believe that Allah has sent his guidance day, afternoon, sunset and late evening – which
to humankind through the prophets and that these creates God consciousness (Taqwa) amongst
have been sent with a number of important books: Muslims everywhere. Prayer itself consists of
verses from the Qur’an, and a number of
 Torah - revealed to Moses; movements from standing to kneeling to prostrate
positions. This acts as a form of meditation in
 Psalms - revealed through David; which the person praying is able to concentrate
 Gospels – revealed to Jesus. wholly upon Allah. It is for this reason that men
and women pray separately. It is important that all
 Qur‘an –revealed to Mohammed (peace be Scouts are made aware of the importance of
upon him) prayer for Scouts who are Muslim so that they are
able to understand why their friend may not be
The Qur’an, which is wholly comprised of Arabic able to join in with every activity and so that they
verses, is believed to hold the final and do respect the time taken for prayer.
unchanged word of Allah as revealed to the
Prophet Mohammed by the Angel Gabriel. It is The Mosque is not just a place of worship. It is a
handled with reverence and respect and the place where Muslims can meet together to
verses are learnt by heart and read widely. The discuss community matters, where they can carry
guidance from Allah covers all aspects of the out individual or communal prayer and meditation,
Islamic faith - prayer, ethics, social relationships, where children come to learn the Qur’an and
economics and law. Muslims also follow the where children can play and socialise together.
practice of the Prophet known as Sunnah and The Mosque is the focal point of any Muslim
traditions which are known as The Hadith, are set community or neighbourhood and provides a wide
down in different compilations like: Sahih Al- range of activities for members of the local
Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Suman Iman Ahmed...etc. community.
Muslims recognise the Bible as a holy book and Islam does not have priests, as each Muslim owes
have a deep respect for the prophets who are allegiance only to Allah. However, the Imams are
mentioned within it. The life stories and the words specially recognised members of the Muslim
of Abraham, Moses and Jesus are contained community who may know more about Islam than
within the Qur’an. Jesus is recognised and others in the community and may lead
revered as a special prophet, yet not as the ‘Son congregational prayer. Additionally, they may look
of God’, but the Son of Mary. It is important that after the religious welfare of their community and
Leaders consider this when planning prayers for a tend to the social and domestic needs of
Scouts Own or at the end of a meeting. individuals. The Iman is an excellent contact to
make if your are interested in encouraging young
As well as undertaking everyday school work, Muslims to become Scouts. They have
Muslim children are expected to attend special considerable influence within the local community
classes after school until the age of 16. Here they and will help you to explain both the concept of
learn Arabic so that they can study the Qur’an, Scouting and the religious policy of the
also they learn religious teachings. These classes Association.
often require extra home work, so it is important to
remember that children of this age often have
other obligations before they can attend Scouting
activities.
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HOLY DAYS AND FESTIVALS PILGRIMAGE

The Muslim calendar is based upon the lunar All Muslims are expected to perform Hajj and visit
year; when a new moon appears this denotes a Mecca in Saudi Arabia at least once in their life
new month. It also means that the Islamic year is time, if they can afford to do so. Mecca is the birth
shorter than the year denoted by the Gregorian place of Mohammed and is also the place where
calendar, which is based upon the movement of the ‘House of Allah’ (The Ka’aba) is situated. The
the Earth around the sun. It is worthwhile Ka’ aba is the focal point for Muslims when they
enquiring when the festivals listed below are due pray and it is towards this that they turn (east from
to take place to enable you to include some the United Kingdom).
activities for all Scouts in your Group and to
anticipate the absence of Scouts who are Muslim BEHAVIOUR AND VALUES
from meetings.
Muslims strive to demonstrate a variety of
Friday is the holy day during the week and special personal qualities which include:
prayers are conducted at mid-day called the
Jum’ah or general assembly.  good manners, truthfulness and forgiveness
of others;
Ramadhan, the ninth month of the Islamic
calendar, is an important time for Muslims. It  maintenance of bodily cleanliness;
celebrates the revelation of the Qur’an to  respect for the rights of others;
Mohammed as a guide to humanity and Muslims
are expected to fast between dawn and sunset  respect for living things.
throughout the month. Nothing is supposed to
pass the lips during the daylight hours and meals For example:
are taken in the time after sunset and before dawn
in the morning. Young children below the age of  Muslims follow the guidance given in the
nine are not expected to observe the fast, but if Qur’an and the Hadith that cruelty to animals
they choose to nobody in the community can deny is forbidden. Animals should not be killed
them their choice. Fasting is designed to help without a legitimate reasons in Islamic law:
Muslims be conscious of Allah and to remind them
of the suffering of the poor and hungry. Muslims He who kills a sparrow needlessly is
must also abstain from lying, fighting and anger as accountable to Allah on the Day of
well as from material things. Judgement (The Hadith)

Eid-al-Fitr marks the sighting of the new moon

and the successful end of Ramadhan. The festival
 Muslims strive to educate themselves and to
work hard as they see this as part of their
last for three to four days and is a time for
religious duty to Allah and the Qur’an enjoins
celebration and parties. Presents are distributed,
this when it says:
new clothes are worn, and people will gather
together or visit relatives to celebrate their faith.
My Lord. Increase me in knowledge
(Q:20114).
Eid-al-Adha is the Festival of Sacrifice and takes
place on the tenth day of the twelve month of the
Every Muslim has to set aside a certain amount of
Islamic year. It celebrates the story of the offer of
their income to give to the poor and needy as
Ismail as a sacrifice to Allah by Abraham. Part of
helping others is part of the Islamic code and is
the celebration involves the sacrifice of an animal
the practice (sunnah) of the prophet.
(one third of the meat is then given to the poor).
The festival enables Muslims to remember that
Muslims are forbidden to gamble or bet money in
they must sacrifice everything in their quest for
any form but wealth can be accumulated through
obedience to Allah.
legitimate means and expected to be used for the
benefit of the Islamic community.
Miladan’Nabi is a celebration of Mohammed’s
birthday and is celebrated by the majority of
Contact between older boys and girls is actively
Muslims.
discouraged, and men and women – even
husband and wife – do not embrace in public
together.
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THE FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

DRESS CODE
The family is central to Muslim people. Extended
families, where members look after one another, Muslim girls and women will keep their bodies
are key and there is deep respect for the elders of covered and dress modestly, especially after
the community. People live in tight-knit puberty. Although, some young Muslim women in
communities which are responsible for the the United Kingdom will wear the Hijab (traditional
members within it. clothes covering the hair and face) others will
choose modest, loose fitting clothes which do not
Although Islam affirms the equality of men and emphasise their body shape. They will usually
women as human beings, rules governing the keep the arms and legs covered.
roles and behavioural conduct of the sexes differ.
Public and social contact between men and No prescribed dress has actually been given for
women is discouraged unless it is necessary, Muslim men, but a male should cover himself from
such as at educational institutions, work places below the navel to the knees.
and social gatherings.
SCOUT MEETINGS
O lord! Lord of my life and of everything in the
universe! I affirm that all human beings are Muslims are expected to attend the Mosque for
brothers unto one another (The Hadith). congregational prayers at mid-day on Fridays (the
holy day) but after that they may be free to
NAMES AND NAMING participate in Scouting activities. Mixed Beaver
Scout Colonies and Cub Scout Packs may be
The Muslim naming system is extremely complex. possible, provided the Leaders were all female.
Children may have up to four names and the Mixed Scout Troops would not be possible
name by which they are usually called (their because Muslims discourage contact between
personal name) is often not their first name. It is young women and men. It is worth consulting with
therefore best for Leaders to clarify from the Community Leaders about all mixed provision.
beginning exactly which name the child wishes to
use. Muslim names may be taken from the Qur’an THE PROMISE
or from important Islamic personalities. Each
Muslim has their own first name and family name. Muslims can use either the phrase ‘duty to God’ or
In this country Muslim women often add their ‘duty to Allah’ in the Promise. The choice should
husband’s last name to their own for official be given to them as to which they would prefer to
purposes. use.

FOOD CAMP

It is important not to include any kind of meat Scouts who are Muslim will want to practice their
derived from pigs in meals or snacks. It would faith whilst at camp and therefore consideration
also be inappropriate to use potted meats, meat will need to be given to this during the planning
or fish pastes, pate or lard and avoid any food that stages. A compass activity could be devised to
states that ‘other meats’ have been used in the locate the direction of Mecca. A tent for prayer
recipe. Muslims may also insist on meat which could then be pitched with a clean groundsheet
has been prepared using lawful means; that is inside which could be used by all campers as a
killed to allow the blood and bacteria to escape quiet area at any time during the camp.
naturally and the name of Allah recited over the
animal while it is slaughtered (this is known as Food at camp should not cause problems as fish
halal meat). The best way to avoid confusion is to is quite permissible and vegetarian options will be
provide fish or vegetarian food which can be suitable for all campers.
enjoyed by everyone. There may also be a Halal
butcher in the local area. It may also be possible to arrange the camp
programme around the five set of prayer times if
Before a meal Muslims wash their hands and offer preparation is made beforehand to find out exactly
thanks to Allah ‘Bismillah’ (‘in the name of Allah’) when these should take place.
and afterwards ‘Alhamdulillah’(‘all praise be to
Allah’). Muslims do not drink alcohol and usually
prefer to avoid areas where alcohol is served.
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FURTHER INFORMATION

The SHAP Working Party on World Religions in

Education publishes an annual calendar of
festivals which will list the appropriate dates for a
particular year. The calendar is available from:

SHAP Working Party,

c/o National Societies R.E. Centre
36 Causton Street
London
SW1P 4AU

If you would like to know more about the Muslim

Community a useful book to read is The Muslim
World by Richard Tames; published by McDonald
& Co. (ISBN 0356 07520 6).