Public Face of Islam in Kumasi
By Gracia Clark
Ceremonies
Daily and seasonal rituals mark publicly the religious affiliation of Kumasi's Muslim citizens. Praying five times daily whenever possible, a basic mandate of the faith, continually identifies the devout Muslim at work and at home, and small neighborhood or family groups often gather for morning, evening or noon prayers together.
Friday noon prayers bring the whole community together in a significant declaration of loyalty to its leadership. When fundamentalists established their own separate Friday mosque, it was a controversial indication of a new degree of division within the community ranks. The fast of Ramadan, kept even by less observant Muslims, creates a conspicuous daily pattern of life for forty days. Forgoing food and water during daylight and sharing holiday food before dawn and after dusk renews their commitment to other Koranic mandates. Personal interpretations vary widely of the modest clothing recommended for both men and women, both in their coverage of the body and their degree of distinctiveness from the dress of the majority Christian community. The pilgrimage to Mecca, required of those who can afford it, receives annual publicity when the official charter flights depart.
In Kumasi, most family events take place in open courtyards or public gathering grounds so that the general public can see them. On these important occasions a family displays its religious affiliation; the details of the ceremony and the styles of dress demonstrate how the participants choose to interpret lslamic values. The number of relatives and friends attending reflects the degree of respect and social connections the extended family enjoys, while lavish provision of food and gifts mark its wealth. In Kumasi’s multiethnic neighborhoods, participating in these open events allows members of different religious communities to learn about each other’s customs and to strengthen relationships across these lines.
Friday noon prayers bring the whole community together in a significant declaration of loyalty to its leadership. When fundamentalists established their own separate Friday mosque, it was a controversial indication of a new degree of division within the community ranks. The fast of Ramadan, kept even by less observant Muslims, creates a conspicuous daily pattern of life for forty days. Forgoing food and water during daylight and sharing holiday food before dawn and after dusk renews their commitment to other Koranic mandates. Personal interpretations vary widely of the modest clothing recommended for both men and women, both in their coverage of the body and their degree of distinctiveness from the dress of the majority Christian community. The pilgrimage to Mecca, required of those who can afford it, receives annual publicity when the official charter flights depart.
In Kumasi, most family events take place in open courtyards or public gathering grounds so that the general public can see them. On these important occasions a family displays its religious affiliation; the details of the ceremony and the styles of dress demonstrate how the participants choose to interpret lslamic values. The number of relatives and friends attending reflects the degree of respect and social connections the extended family enjoys, while lavish provision of food and gifts mark its wealth. In Kumasi’s multiethnic neighborhoods, participating in these open events allows members of different religious communities to learn about each other’s customs and to strengthen relationships across these lines.