Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ Mentor Publishing Company in Kenya faced criticism from the Muslim community after a textbook designed for second-year primary school pupils included an image of Prophet Muhammad, considered blasphemous. The Muslim leaders and parents protested against the depiction, expressing concerns about the inappropriate nature of the illustration and the request for students to color it in. The publisher, acknowledging the gravity of the mistake, promptly withdrew the textbook titled “Mentor Encyclopaedia Grade 2.”
In a letter addressed to the Muslim community, Mentor Publishing Company apologized for the offensive content, acknowledging that the drawing had been inadvertently inserted into the book and mistakenly identified as an image of Prophet Muhammad. The publisher expressed sincere regret and pledged to prevent such errors from recurring. Additionally, they committed to collaborating with the Muslim Education Council to review their entire catalog of books.
Given that approximately 11% of Kenya’s population adheres to Islam, the withdrawal of the textbook holds significant importance in addressing a sensitive religious matter. Depictions of Prophet Muhammad are a deeply sensitive issue for Muslims, as they contravene traditional Islamic beliefs that explicitly forbid visual representations of both the Prophet and Allah.
Josephine Wanjuki, the director of Mentor Publishing, assured that the offensive drawing would be removed from all future editions. The company advised teachers, students, and school administrators in possession of the book to return it. The decision to recall the books was praised by Sheikh Rishard Rajab Ramadhan, a Muslim scholar from Mombasa, who described the content as “dangerous” for young children. While appreciating the withdrawal, Sheikh Ramadhan urged publishers to consult with Muslim leaders before releasing any materials related to Islamic studies.
This incident underscores the importance of cultural and religious sensitivity in educational materials, especially in diverse societies where various communities coexist. It serves as a reminder for publishers to engage with religious leaders and communities to avoid unintentional offenses and promote a harmonious learning environment.
