By Khaled Montaser –
This is Arabic Language Exam paper for Giza Governorate Preparatory Schools This Year.
The compulsory literature/texts question is a Qur’anic verse from Surat Hud, and the grammar question concerns a saying of Umar ibn al-Khattab and a comparison between his whip and al-Hajjaj’s sword.
My simple question to the Minister of Education, with full respect for the Qur’an and all holy books, is:
As far as I know, the Arabic language exam is taken by both Muslim and Christian students. So why is there a mandatory question for Christian students based on Qur’anic verses?
You already have a religion course, and you have made the passing grade in that subject 70%; put whatever verses you wish there. But why, in the Arabic language exam—which is taken by both Muslim and Christian students—do you include a mandatory question related to the sacred book of only one group?
And in the next exam, will you do the opposite for Muslim students, for example?!
The primary purpose of education is to build a shared national consciousness. Schools are supposed to be neutral civil institutions, and the schools that received these exam questions are not affiliated with Al-Azhar.
Our objection to these questions is not contempt for any religion, nor is it a call for unbelief or any of the other accusations that some people will undoubtedly raise. Rather, it is an objection rooted in respect for the values of citizenship and the principles of the modern civil state.
Awaiting the Minister’s response.
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