ABSTRACT
The preparation of a new generation of Muslims in current times through early childhood education is a great responsibility, especially in the context of dealing with colonising influences, materialism, secularism and perceptions of Islam from radical intent. An Islamic education system must be designed to accommodate knowledge, skills and values that progressively lead to the development of an ideal Muslim as a balanced and integrated personality. As a process, Islamic education should be the vehicle to cultivate excellence in thoughts, actions and attitudes of Muslim children so that they move beyond self-interest and individualism to a higher form of being, namely, a vicegerent who is committed to carry out the will of God and is inter-subjectively linked to the community of Muslims and humanity at large.
