I think the key is to teach them through example and participation. They want to do what you do -- and with you. So I think my daughter could start learning the Kalima and surahs. But I have to make more of an effort to recite them aloud so that wants to participate. Mine doesn't say salam yet (tho I'm sure she could); but she raises her right hand to her forehead when someone says assalamalaikum to her. Her Nana taught her this before she was a year old. I think she was actually only like 9-10 months.
I also think that most toddlers get kind of obsessed when they are learning a new skill, and it's okay to let them focus on what they want to learn, rather than forcing several different lessons. It should develop naturally out of their own interest and curiosity, but it's our job to engage that interest and curiosity productively.
From the time my son was able to walk, I started asking him to "please help mama" whenever I was doing anything. I made sure I involved him in everything I was doing from cleaning, to taking out the garbage, to tidying up, to making the bed, etc. I allowed him to try things so that he felt that sense of pride and accomplishment, even though he was never able to do anything, I encouraged him to help. We also read a lot of books, rather than reading the story, I focussed on the pictures and what the characters are doing. I also started teaching him the alphabet when he was a year old and then started with numbers 1-20.
Now, he will be 3 years old and, mashallah, he loves to help in everything we (adults) do because i've been training him to be a man who doesn't sit on his butt, but helps the women around him. :D
mirch n aahmed bhai plz dont fight over a minor thing. Yes u can teach them kalma n Surah but dont expect k they ll recite them at this age :-)... N thanx every one for ur wonderful response, i was just making sure tht im following the right path :-) ... Thanx alot. Stay blessed.