Coptic Christians’ booklet claims ‘Islamization’ of public schools

Concerned about “a clear attempt to engrave Islam in the minds of our children,” a Christian group is expanding distribution of a guidebook originally intended for Californians.

Since its first press run in December 2004, Coptic Christians of California has, upon request, distributed 5,000 copies of its 28-page booklet, “The Islamization of American Schools.” The booklet focuses on the situation in California, where a seventh-grade world history curriculum examines Islamic civilization, among others of the Middle Ages.

But readers in other states are increasingly ordering the booklet as well, according to author Abdullah Al-Araby. The booklet, which Muslims denounce as misleading, is available on the group’s Web site.

The Coptic Christian group alleges that children learn by emulating Islamic practices, such as kneeling to pray, donning traditional Islam dress, receiving a Muslim name or chanting in Arabic. Such school practices amount to “indoctrination,” said Al-Araby, who says he writes under that pen name because he fears reprisal from angry Muslims.

The Coptic group said it is prepared to give away 5,000 copies of the booklet through its Web site, islamreview.com, to those willing to pay for shipping.

(RNS)