Teaching of the Islamic Religion in Egyptian Governmental Primary Schools in Relation to the Challenges Facing the Country
Teaching of the Islamic Religion in Egyptian Governmental Primary Schools in Relation to the Challenges Facing the Country

Summary/Abstract: Islam is the main religion of the Egyptian state and the basics of Sharia law are the main source of its legislation. According to the constitution, religion is one of the most important subjects in pre-university education. The role of religion is not only legislative. While talking about society, it should be mentioned that religion also plays an important role among Egyptians. Teaching religion is therefore a sensitive issue and should be significant for the government. The way they teach it and the topics they consider crucial for children to learn may later have a great impact not only on the spiritual life of believers, but also their vision of the country, the world, their way of thinking and their relationships with others – fellow citizens and tourists visiting their country.The author of the article presents the relation of ‘authorities-teaching Islam’ in governmental primary schools on the basis of examples of the content of Egyptian textbooks concerning Islam – called Islamic Upbringing – which are connected with selected topics considered important for the country. The range of the research stretches from 2013 to 2016. Topics approached in the article concern the fight against terrorism and extremist ideas, the meaning of ‘Egyptian’ and the co-existence of all citizens of Egypt – Muslims and Christians – and patriotic education. The presented content of the textbooks for Islamic Upbringing takes into account the activities of President ʿAbd al-Fattāḥ as-Sīsī and the government to identify whether the textbooks are compatible with public life and the current situation in the country.

• Details
• Contents