London School Prayer Ban Upheld Despite Muslim Student’s Challenge

A Muslim student’s attempt to uphold her right to perform salah (prayer) at a London school has been set back by a High Court decision. 

The court sided with the school, which maintains a policy against prayer rituals on school grounds.

The student, who remains unidentified, argued that the ban infringed upon her ability to practice a fundamental pillar of Islam. She proposed a reasonable solution: designated prayer time during lunch breaks on days required by her faith.

The school, Michaela Community School, however, defended the ban as a way to promote a unified and inclusive environment. 

They cited past incidents of threats linked to religious practices, expressing concern that allowing prayer rituals could disrupt this harmony.

While the judge ultimately upheld the prayer ban, he did criticise the school’s separate decision to temporarily exclude the student.

In an 83-page written judgment dismissing the student’s case, Mr Justice Linden said: “The claimant at the very least impliedly accepted, when she enrolled at the school, that she would be subject to restrictions on her ability to manifest her religion.”

This case reignites the debate about balancing religious freedom with the needs of a diverse school community. 

The student’s desire for a modest accommodation to fulfill her religious obligations highlights the ongoing struggle for many Muslims in British institutions.

FUND HONEST INDEPENDENT MUSLIM JOURNALISM

Donate today and help us tell the stories that matter. Together we can make a difference

Donate today and help us tell the stories that matter.
Together we can make a difference

The mainstream media has been justifying genocide in Gaza. Islamophobia and censorship are the norm. We're changing that. Our journalism has reached over 300M impressions on social media since October 7th. On TV, our rolling news coverage has featured key figures like Husam Zomlot, Avi Shlaim, Gideon Levy and Jeremy Corbyn.

We need your support to reveal the truth and ensure our voices are heard. Donate today.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

TOP STORIES

RELATED STORIES

GPU FESTIVAL
IS BACK AND
EVEN BETTER!

Subscribe to the GPU
Newsletter to receive
25% off
your tickets

CONTACT INFORMATION

Islam Channel
Media House
428-432 Ley Street
London
IG2 7BS

+(44) 207 374 4511