Q: I am an educator at a government school and I am required to do the school assembly on occasions and entails me reading the school prayer which is basic but starts by saying “father we thank thee….” I have declined to say the prayer but they want to know on what basis because all the other teachers from different religions say it and according to them it’s not a Christian but universal prayer. What explanation can I give them to say that I cannot say the school prayer during assembly?
A: There is no such a thing as “Father” in a universal prayer. It is perhaps the practice among kaafirs and mushriks. A practice that is common among kaafirs and mushriks is not universal, for muslims don’t practice this.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)