ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on empirical research into the problem: an examination of the theory of pupil need as identified by Islamic writers; and an inquiry into what is actually taking place in British classrooms. It deals with placing the educational system in Britain into an historical context, providing a review of the aims of Islamic education and an examination of the concept of multiculturalism. The chapter discusses with a summary of the work achieved in British schools during the 1970s and 1980s, and explores the social and political ramifications of outstanding needs yet to be addressed. Campaigners for Muslim schools have challenged the efficacy of multiculturalism to enable Muslim children to retain and develop their distinctive identity or to redress racism. The accommodations have been based on local and individual school effort and the findings are consistent with the documented initiatives of local education authorities particularly in areas with sizeable numbers of ethnic groups.
