At Bushey Meads School, I have the immense pleasure and privilege of teaching both Business Studies and Religious Education. I am particularly interested in developing curricular links between these two subjects.  Over the past few weeks, my year 7 RE class has been learning more about the fundamental beliefs of Islam, such as the Five Pillars and the role of the Quran.

In a recent Year 7 lesson, students also had an opportunity to look at the two main types of charity in Islam: Zakat and Sadaqah. Zakat is a form of almsgiving. For every adult Muslim who owns wealth over a certain amount – known as the Nisab – he or she must pay 2.5% of that wealth as Zakat. Sadaqah is voluntary charitable giving that can be granted to any person or cause. We were also able to look at the Islamic perspective on ethics, and the importance of honesty and fairness in business life. Students were excited to ask questions and learn more about how Muslims use their money and time to help others.