This winter many families in Herat have sent their children off to the mosque for daily lessons about the Qur’an and Islam.
The mullahs who give the lessons aim to prepare the children for the academic year ahead. Mawlawi Mohammad, who has 100 pupils, said explained that the students are keen to learn the Qur’an, memorize it, and explain its meaning to their families.
He said. “My students are mostly aged between seven and 12 years old. I teach both boys and girls. They learn fast.” The classes offer children and their families and alternative to the usual free time school students have during the long winter break. Eight-year-old Shafi said that he likes his mullah teacher who is kind and makes learning easy. He remarked. “I am happy that I learned the Qur’an instead of going out and playing in the streets with no achievements this winter.”
