MOTHERING A MUSLIM Paperback

Mothering a Muslim by Nazia Erum is a poignant and eye-opening exploration of the challenges faced by middle-class Muslim children in contemporary India. Drawing from interviews with over a hundred children and their parents across twelve cities, Erum uncovers troubling stories of religious segregation and rampant bullying in some of the country's top schools. Children as young as those attending kindergarten to higher education experience communal bullying, with derogatory terms like "Paki," "Terrorist," and "Go to Pakistan" becoming commonplace in classrooms and playgrounds . The book delves into how these experiences of exclusion and prejudice affect the self-esteem and identity of young Muslims, highlighting the deep-seated communal hate that permeates even the most progressive educational institutions. Erum's narrative serves as a call to action for parents, educators, and society at large to confront and address the systemic discrimination faced by Muslim children, aiming to foster an environment of inclusivity and understanding.