Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has said that the very first step for the children of Muslims is to teach them the Qur’ān. Uloom is not acquired in childhood, therefore the time of childhood should not be wasted. It is the time for the children to learn the Qur’ān. The basics of Deen should be taught to them before secular education. Daily Tilaawah of the Qur’ān should be inculcated in them. If they develop any characteristics in conflict with the Deen, then terminate their secular education.
THE DEEN
For a Muslim, the Deen has priority. Compared to the laws of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله nothing else has significance. Therefore acquire this first (i.e. the Deen), then engage in other activities.
(SOURCE: MALFOOZAAT OF HAZRAT MOULANA ASHRAF ALI THAANWI SAHIB رحمه الله, PART 6)