UK teacher investigated for having ‘Prophet Muhammad mug’ in playground

A teacher "is away from school" as bosses investigate a mug said to depict the Prophet Muhammad.

The artist who designed the mug has since come out to defend the mug which depicted Jesus Christ and the Prophet Muhammad chatting.

The staff member in possession of the mug is said to have been photographed holding the item while in the playground at Colchester Royal Grammar School in Essex.

It is claimed that the mug appeared in lessons too, with the white mug depicting the two religious figures in conversation with one another.

A spokesman for the school confirmed it is looking into the "offensive image" on the cup and said "robust action" would be taken as appropriate.

The mug depicts the two figures speaking, with one speech bubble next to Jesus reportedly showing the religious figure saying "Hey", while the Prophet Muhammad figure responds: "How ya doin?".

Most Muslims deem that any physical depiction of the prophet, even a positive one like the reportedly offending mug, is blasphemous.

The drawing, from an artist using the pseudonym Mohammad Jones, created the mug in connection with a series of satirical religious comic books depicting "Jesus and Mo," Daily Mail reports.

Jones has since defended the teacher for owning the mug, accusing school heads of "behaving disgracefully" over its investigation.

Jones said: "There is no blasphemy law in this country. It is not an Islamophobic mug."

The image of the offending mug was reportedly taken weeks ago but has surfaced online amid growing concern from students.

Jones' cartoon, launched in 2005, is said to poke fun at both Christian and Islamic faiths with the "Jesus and Mo" comic strip poking fun at various aspects of religion.

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A spokesman for the school said: "We have been notified that an image has been shared online of an individual appearing to use a cup that has an offensive image on it. At this time we are looking into the matter.

"'While we cannot comment on individuals, this will be reviewed in line with our policies and procedures and the appropriate robust action taken as necessary.

"The staff member concerned is currently away from the school."

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