YAOUNDE, Cameroon
The Rahma Complex, an Islamic center in Cameroonian capital Yaounde, is using song, dance and other leisure activities to introduce local youth to the tenets of Islam.
“Children must know what Islam is all about,” Sheikh Mfouapon al-Hassan, a teacher at the complex, told Anadolu Agency.
“They must know their religion," he added. “We do this via entertainment.”
Located in Yaounde’s Etam Bafia neighborhood, the center organizes recreational activities for local children that include singing, dancing, theater, Quran recitation and daily lessons on religious subjects.
With lessons provided in French, English and Arabic, the center aims to familiarize Cameroonian youth with Islamic precepts and the life of Prophet Muhammad, while also teaching them how to pray and fast.
“Our intention is to transmit religious knowledge,” said al-Hassan.
“We began this program mainly for local Muslim children, but – to our surprise – non-Muslim children often come and participate,” said the teacher.
“I encourage them [non-Muslim children] to come if they are interested,” he added.
Al-Hassan went on to note that, during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, now in its second week, the children were encouraged to fast – at least until 3 pm.
“Our teachers try to highlight the benefits of fasting, especially Allah's forgiveness,” he said, stressing that the Ramadan fast is “a pillar” of Islam.
Muslims account for roughly one quarter of Cameroon’s 20 million-strong population.
Most Muslims are concentrated in the country’s northern and western regions.
