Public Face of Islam in Kumasi
By Gracia Clark
Street Scenes
A group of women passing by in a Muslim neighborhood.
Muslims take pride in distinguishing themselves as such from the general population. For most, their dress and comportment are chosen to proclaim their affiliation and their commitment to Islamic virtues of modesty, honesty and charity. While such standards vary widely among individuals, their Muslim identity is generally clear to non-Muslims. This declaration of allegiance enables Muslims to claim public space for adhering to Islamic mandates for prayer and behavior. Many Muslims live in integrated neighborhoods with Christians and others, so their family ceremonies and business practices form part of the civic environment.