For the first time in state schools in Catalonia (an autonomous region of Spain), children have the opportunity to learn the basics of Islam. This project was launched at the initiative of the Department of Education of Catalonia in six educational institutions. The purpose is to ensure freedom of religion, promote integration and social unity. Local authorities expect more schools to join the project next year.

Maite Aimeric, head of the Catalan Department of Education, stressed that " this is a positive experience and this initiative has helped to break down some of the existing prejudices that exist in relation to Islam."

In Spain, Catholic traditions are quite strong, and they are represented in school education: religious education is included in the main program, but is not mandatory. The Muslim community demanded that the children of Muslims also have the right to receive knowledge about their religion. Some strongly oppose the teaching of the basics of Islam in schools in Spain, as the memories of the terrorist attacks committed in Spain in 2017 are still fresh.

Mohamed El Gaidouni, delegate of the Spanish Islamic Commission in Catalonia, said that after the August 17 attacks, the minority wanted to split Catalan society by focusing hate on the Muslim community and Islam, but the reaction of the Catalans was very powerful.

The Government of Catalonia considers that teaching the basics of Islam in state schools will help people of different religious faiths to find common ground, which in turn will contribute to greater mutual understanding and harmonious coexistence.