SIMPLY, because they are not learning to sing Islamic songs, they are learning to recite Islamic prayers. At an elementary school in Linz, Catholic elementary school children were forced to memorize and recite Islamic “songs” as part of the Islamic Ramadan festival. If they refused, they were punished.

Voice of Europe (h/t Maurice) “We were on our way home when he suddenly started to sing ‘Allah, Allah’,” a shocked mother of one of the students says. He learned that at school and had to sing it. “It felt like a slap in my face!” she adds. “We were on our way home when he suddenly started to sing ‘Allah, Allah’,” a shocked mother of one of the students says. He learned that at school and had to sing it. “It felt like a slap in my face!” she adds.

“Mom, we have to get involved. The teacher said: “If we do not do that, we’ll have to go to the director and then there’ll be a punishment,” the son reported in fear of his mother’s reprisals. For two months he had to rehearse the songs.

As the mother points out, she has no problem whatsoever with other students living out their religions. “I was only shocked that all the children had to join in,” she says, emotionally.

The mother adds she has nothing against the Muslim festival, but every pupil should have a chance to opt out.

But the situation at the school was clearly different. The Islamic religious teacher came to the children in the class and ordered the students to learn the appropriate Ramadan songs, because the whole class must celebrate this festival.

It is not the first Islam-related incident at an Austrian school. An elementary school teacher from Vienna said earlier it’s impossible to integrate children anymore.

“Sharia law is superior for many of my students,” she warned. “Music and dance are rejected on religious grounds. Also discussions and fights take place with increasing frequency along religious lines.”