Assalaam alaikum, My question today has to do with the proper way to educate young Muslim toddlers and children. Specifically, we would like to introduce a book of du'a for our baby, and in this book it contains various supplications. To make this engaging for toddlers and children, is it permissible to include pictures of humans/children without the face? Also, for children under 2 years that cannot read or speak, can we begin reading to them books of du'a even though they may tear at the book or hit it/step on it? How about the histories of prophets--to children they may not take it seriously? wa alaikum assalaam

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger.

Gradualness is a universal norm. Adopting a gradual approach is needed for a Muslim in all his worldly affairs. With regards to the teaching process, it should be progressive; the easier branches of knowledge should be ventured first; so the curriculum for children should be appropriate to their age.

The short versions of the reported supplications are among the most important things that should be taught to young children; they should be urged to memorize and repeat them so that they would be instilled in their minds.

As for using pictures, we have already underlined that it is allowable to use pictures for children for educational purposes; please refer to Fataawa 117408 and 87864. However, it is better to use pictures of humans with blurred faces so as to be on the safe side and to evade the difference of opinion among scholars in this respect.

In any case, it is impermissible for parents or anyone else to leave children to do whatever results in the abuse of such books that contain verses of the Quran or prophetic Ahaadeeth or the Names and Attributes of Allaah, The Exalted.

Allaah Knows best.