Teaching Memorization of Quran in Kindergartens According to Educational Jurisprudence

This article seeks to draw out the juridical standpoint concerning memorization of the Quran in Kindergartens using references and analytical method with emphasis on jurisprudential deduction. Memorization of the Quran means that a preschooler is persuaded or made to memorize the Quran at a time when he is not duty-bound. Since he is not under any religious obligation, the deduction of a juridical ruling becomes challenging. However, by scrutinizing the arguments regarding people who have no obligation, it can be inferred that those arguments apply to adults and categorically do not include children below the age of maturity. When it comes to the arguments, a general instruction can be inferred regarding memorization of the Quran per se which means that it is recommended for preschoolers to memorize the Quran. Given the fact that the narrations have not specified an age for memorization of the Quran and also the natural tendency of the child to spirituality and his memory power, in the eye of reason and custom there is no objection about a preschooler memorizing the Quran. As well, by clarifying the criterion through analyzing the significations of the narrations according to which teaching the Quran to a child is among the rights of a child upon his parents, we can, at least, deduce the desirability of teaching the memorization of the Quran. It is therefore not permissible to force them to learn the Quran. In case, this leads to their aversion or deviation in the future, it is forbidden.