Atarbia Alislamia (Islam Education) begins here in North Africa in the public schools at 3 years old. My son is now in preschool. He doesn’t take the classes but I bought the book anyway just to see what a five year old in North Africa is learning about God, Islam, and eternity. Over the next few days I am going to translate the first seven lessons (taken one per week) that a Muslim child learns from his teacher which is reinforced at home. The child has to memorize the lessons and the Quranic verses. As you read this, ask yourself, if I was taught this since I was old enough to understand and I had never read a Bible what, then, would I believe?
Lesson 1
Memory Verse: The Fatiha (Opening Chapter of the Koran) “In the name of God the most merciful. Praise to Allah lord of the worlds, the most merciful. King of the day of judgement. You will we serve and you will we beseach for help.”
The five Pillars of Islam: Shahada (testify), Salat (prayer), Zakat (Almsgiving), Saum (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage).
The Bismillah: I say “Bismillah” (in the name of God) before every deed and every meal.
This is what every five year old kid memorizes his first week in the public school here in North Africa.
Would you have believed it?
Did you believe in Santa?