Home page of the application

The Islamic State’s “Library of Zeal” has released an application for teaching the Arabic alphabet to children on Android devices. The vocabulary taught within the application includes jihadist themes. The application was released through Islamic State Telegram channels and on other file sharing websites.

The app has games for memorizing and how to write the Arabic letters in addition to including a nasheed (a cappella Islamic songs) designed to help teach the alphabet. The lyrics in the nasheed are littered with jihadist terminology, while other games within the app also include militaristic vocabulary with more common, basic words. Words like “tank,” “gun,” and “rocket” are among the first few taught within the application.

The alphabet app is not the Islamic State’s first mobile application, however it is the first to be directed exclusively to children. The jihadist group has also produced several videos from many of its proclaimed provinces showing children being trained for jihad or being indoctrinated at Islamic State-ran schools. Other videos have shown children being involved in beheadings and executions of prisoners held by the Islamic State.

Screenshots from the Islamic State’s “Alphabet” Android application:

Nasheed of the alphabet by the Islamic State’s Al Bayan Radio:

Bundqiya (Gun):

Dababa (Tank):

Dhakheera (Ammunition):

Talaqa (Bullet):

Saarukh (Rocket):

Madfa’ (Cannon):

Sayf (Sword):

Caleb Weiss is a contributor to FDD's Long War Journal.

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