What Muslim Children Must Know
Here we shall present a number of religious issues that Muslim children must know. It is the duty of their parents to teach these issues to them at a young age.
It is a simple and comprehensive course covering the topics of creed, Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence), Sīrah (the Prophet’s biography), ethics, Tafsīr (interpretation of the Qur’an), Hadīth, morals, and Dhikr (the remembrance of Allah). It suits children as well as people of all ages and new Muslims. It could be taught at homes, nurseries, and educational institutions. I have arranged it in sections according to the topics, and have put it in the form of questions and answers, which is more liable to stimulate the mind and is better for memorization. The mentor can choose from them whatever suits the age of the students.
{O you who believe, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, and is overseen by rigorous and stern angels, who never disobey whatever Allah commands and do whatever they are commanded.} [Surat at-Tahrīm: 6]
It is also based on the Hadīth of ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) where he said: "One day, I was behind the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), and he said: 'O boy, I shall teach you some words (of advice): Be mindful of Allah, and Allah will protect you. Be Mindful of Allah, and you will find Allah by your side. If you ask, ask Allah (alone), and if you seek help, seek help from Allah (alone). You must know that if the whole people gathered to benefit you with something, they would never benefit you except with what Allah has decreed for you, and if they gathered to harm you with something, they would never harm you except with what Allah has decreed against you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.'" [Narrated by At-Tirmidhi and Ahmad]
Children should be taught what they need in their religion to become perfect human beings with a sound natural inclination to Islam, and true monotheists adhering to the path of faith.
"It has been narrated that they should be commanded to pray at the age of seven, and should be beaten for not praying at the age of ten, and should be separated in beds. Likewise, they should be taught before reaching puberty the words and deeds that Allah has made obligatory upon His servants. This way when they attain puberty, their hearts, souls, and bodies will peacefully submit and feel familiar with such divine commands." Muqaddimat Abī Zayd al-Qayrwāni (p.5).
The evidence lies in His saying: {All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.} [Surat al-Fātihah: 2]
Answer: My religion is Islam, which is all about submitting to Allah through monotheism, yielding to Him through obedience, and dissociating oneself from Shirk (polytheism) and its people.