Islamic Identities

Abstract

The basmala prayer, quoted above, is recited before each sura (verse) of the Qur’an. It became etched into my memory after I sat and watched and listened as groups of children chanted in unison in the Qur’an classes that I attended. These classes were a manifestation of the importance that families gave to religion in their children’s education. They were held in a community centre known as ‘Colin’s hall’.