Counter-terrorism 'should be on the curriculum'

Counter-terrorism should be on the national curriculum and learned by all Muslim students in the UK, according to a senior Islamic scholar.

"De-radicalisation should be taken as a subject, counter-terrorism should be taken as a subject," said Pakistani politician Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri.

His message echoed that of Prime Minister David Cameron, who warned last last week of the dangers posed by those who "quietly condone" Islamic State militants' extremist ideology.

Mr Cameron highlighted the role families and communities can play in countering such radicalisation.

Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri, who issued a fatwa against terrorism in 2010, said: "We have not been addressing this issue on theological and ideological fronts – we have been taking it just as a political, economical, social issue."

"It should be made compulsory for Muslim students," he said. "They should be taught the real teachings of Quran based on love and tolerance and co-existence and togetherness."