AMONG Oxford’s Islamic community, Dr Taj Hargey is, for many, a divisive figure.

Two years ago, he faced placard-waving female protesters when he invited a woman to conduct Friday prayers at his Muslim Education Centre of Oxford (Meco).

And Dr Hargey – also fiercely anti-burka – this month invited gay US imam Daayiee Abdullah to discuss sexuality at the centre.

So it is no surprise that Meco’s Saturday Islamic School prides itself on a ‘progressive’ curriculum that is not to the liking of all.

Held at Cherwell School in North Oxford, it is open to children of all faiths and has mixed gender classes with male and female teachers. Pupils are not required to wear headscarves or skull caps.

Dr Hargey said: “Most parents have responded positively to our progressive school, even though some are not fully reconciled to such a modern institution, preferring the ‘old world’ education of their own childhood.”

He wants pupils to learn about Muslim identity and faith while being ‘integrated and productive’ UK citizens.

He said: “Too often, Muslim youngsters are taught that British values are about negative things like binge-drinking, promiscuity and drugs.

“We not only know this to be wrong, but we also believe it makes youngsters feel isolated from the society in which they live.

“We want children to grow up retaining their faith, but also knowing they are British citizens with responsibilities to Britain.”

He said: “Some traditional Muslims are not happy that we encourage children to think about their religion, preferring them to learn everything by rote.

“However, even these people are coming around to the fact that Islamic education in this country must be British-centred.”

He said: “Perhaps most uniquely of all, we are thrilled to welcome non-Muslim children whose parents want them to learn Arabic.”

The school opened in April 2008 and has 52 pupils, including two non-Muslims.

Dr Hargey said: “I think their parents like that Meco does not seek to convert non-Muslim children to Islam, but just to teach them what Islam is from the Muslim perspective.”

Sudanese doctor Osama Elzain, 39, and Christian wife Clare Messenger, 41, send five-year-old daughter Safya to the school.

Ms Messenger said: “Safya and our son Ashraf are being brought up as Muslims, but also learning about my religion.

“We feel the school allows children to think and is progressive, and we love that there are children from many countries and backgrounds.

“We want our children to realise that Islam is a global culture and not just part of their’s.”

Dr Mouna Zachary, dad to Maya, eight, and Rama, six, said: “I want my daughters to learn Islamic Studies and Arabic in a non-strict and non-extreme way.

“I do not cover my head, so I don’t expect my girls to and I have no problem with them being taught with boys, because I was too.”

Volunteer teacher Sidra Malik, 26, said: “Unfortunately, many children learn about Islam by just having Arabic texts read out to them and this does not help them.

“Children need a proper understanding of Islam.”

The Meco Saturday Islamic School runs classes for six- to 16-year-olds at Cherwell School, in Marston Ferry Road. Call 01865 766032 or email info@meco.org.uk