Should I introduce Islamic knowledge before ABCs and 123s

Yes, introducing Islamic knowledge before ABCs and 123s nurtures the most essential aspects of a child’s development: identity, values, and purpose. While literacy and numeracy are important, spiritual foundations form the lens through which all other knowledge is eventually filtered. When a child first learns phrases like ‘Alhamdulillah’ or hears the name of Allah Almighty spoken with love and reverence, their inner world begins to shape around a clear sense of belonging and divine purpose. Teaching the basics of Tawheed, short daily Duas, the beauty of creation, and the manners of the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ allows this spiritual foundation to develop naturally.
This approach does not suggest postponing secular learning, but rather that all knowledge should be grounded in a sense of moral direction. Children are sponges in their early years. When Islamic learning is prioritised in this window, they absorb concepts like gratitude, compassion, honesty, and respect with incredible ease. Teaching them about Salah, saying Bismillah before eating, and being kind to parents lays a behavioural framework that will guide them long after they begin formal education.
Stories of the Prophets, explained in age-appropriate ways, teach courage, patience, and faith in action. Reciting short Surahs strengthens memory while embedding divine wisdom in the child’s mind and heart. These early seeds of faith become the moral compass for future decisions. A child who recognises their Creator is more likely to view education as a trust, not just a path to success. Their questions become deeper, their learning more reflective, and their ambition more ethically grounded.