ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the issue of Muslim children's schooling which has gained significance for many Muslim communities, particularly in the West, in the backdrop of professed social, economic and political marginalization of Muslims. Islamic schools are seen by an increasing number of Muslims as an option to enhance educational achievement as well as to challenge exclusion and racism. Faith schools in general and Islamic faith schools in particular are subject to criticism for curtailing the learner's autonomy by inculcating specific religious beliefs. Whether it was the Satanic Verses issue or anti-terrorism campaigns or operation Trojan Horse, unfortunately, the government responses and resulting policies and measures have also been more reactive and short-term rather than well-thought and carefully considered, often breeding tensions and providing fuel for media hypes. In separate schools children would lack opportunities to know other cultures and communities that would encourage racism and religious prejudice leading to social polarization.
