An on-going debate in the UK among teachers, parents, students and even the general public: should religious education be studied in secondary schools? This article shares R.E. teacher Sahar Aboonajmi’s opinions on the matter after a thorough interview. 

People commonly ask why studying religion is so important in a country where 37.2% (22.2 million) people identify as ‘non-religious’. Although the statistics are valid, some may argue that they are irrelevant to the actual question. Mrs Aboonajmi says that, ‘Studying R.E. is not about having your beliefs changed, it’s about stretching your mind and learning about different people and mentalities’. This argument demonstrates that, through R.E., we gain a broader understanding of culture and the wider world around us, regardless of what we believe. 

Mrs Aboonajmi was brought up and educated in Dubai (where religious studies isn’t taught, only Islam). She believes that being a ‘closed off muslim’ created a gap between her and the rest of the world due to the lack of education about religion and matters of society. She said that she was surprised as to how ‘open minded’ people in the UK are and how it made her feel ‘welcome’ in her workplace and general society. This is a prime example of how the  culture of acceptance and awareness in the UK strengthens connections between the rest of the world and makes it easy to build relationships with those from other cultures.

She also raised the idea that religious education is beneficial for general wellbeing. This would surprise some as religious and philosophical matters are often considered heavy and difficult for young minds to manage. However, Mrs Aboonajmi said, ‘A human can only be healthy when they exercise all aspects of their health: the emotional, physical, mental, social and spiritual’. A well balanced human will need all types of health to be in a stable, healthy and content condition. For some, especially those with no religion, there is no other source of spiritual nurture for them other than discussing life’s big questions in R.E. 

In conclusion, based on the ideas of Mrs Aboonajmi, the study of religion connects our society and encourages young people to be critical thinkers. It provides life skills and spiritual health to the younger generations and is an asset to British education.