Once again I find myself honoured to share the gift of my voice with the world.
This time nestled in a cosy barn in Oxfordshire surrounded by beautiful people and solid vibes.
To quench your curiosity and understanding of this Call, I have a basic summary of what it means to over 1.8 billion Muslims around the world.
It has to be said that although this is the Muslim Call to Prayer, I know personally of many people from different faiths and even no faith who derive great and overwhelming comfort from listening to The Call to Prayer. One day I would love to share all the fascinating people I have met over the years and the stories they have to tell with regard to their experiences and the positive emotional reactions they have had including emotional healing.
A Muezzin Calling from the Top of a Minaret the Faithful to Prayer
by Jean-Léon Gérôme
What is Adhan?
For many Muslims, this is how their day begins. The adhan for Fajr, the first prayer of the day, wakes them up to a new day. A muezzin is a person arranged by the mosque to make the adhan, the call to prayer, a few minutes before the prayer. Then a second call (iqamah) is made immediately before the prayer begins. Adhan does not have to be made by a dedicated muezzin, that is, the adhan does not have to be made by the same person every day. The adhan in Arabic is:
A Brief History
The practice of adhan began when the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was living in the city of Madinah where the amount of Muslims was rapidly increasing. Previously, a simple loud announcement was made to congregate anyone who heard. Soon after, regular prayers were beginning and a more formal method was needed to gather everyone. The method of blowing a horn or ringing bells like the Judeo and Christian traditions was suggested, and so was beating drums. It is believed that a few of the Prophet’s (PBUH) companions heard the adhan in a dream through the angel Gabriel (Progler). The Prophet (PBUH) chose the sahabah (one of his companions) named Bilal ibn Rabah as the first muezzin to recite the first adhan. Since then, it has been a tradition to make adhan for each of the five obligatory prayers.
The Traditions & Methods
The adhan has traditionally been a way to mark the time of day and still serves that purpose in many rural areas. The loud call reaches homes and fields, informing families
and labourers of the time. People still plan their days around this trusty notifier. The adhan plays in several Muslim countries and in American mosques as well. Before modern technology, a muezzin would actually stand in the minaret of a mosque and loudly announce the adhan. In modern times, loudspeakers are placed on minarets and sometimes a recording is even played, but most adhans are recited live. There are also traditions of reading the adhan in a newborn’s ear, and many Muslims believe that the call has medicinal attributes.1
Significance
The role of adhan is extensive. This religious tradition is heard by millions every day. Every part of our day, from the start to the end of it, is marked by the reminder of God. It helps form discipline in our lives to start the day early and on a positive note. For many, the adhan is a reminder of home, unity, and community. The familiar sound of the adhan unifies the lives of Muslims and non-Muslims living and working together in a single community. The adhan is a reminder of the old and the new, the memory of a complex past and the optimism for an even brighter future. The adhan is an omnipresent call for all nations and all people.
1. Progler, Joseph. “Muslim Call to Prayer | Smithsonian Folkways Magazine.” Smithsonian Folkways Recordings,
folkways-media.si.edu/docs/fo...
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me on this email:
hassen.rasool786@gmail.com
Special thanks to:
- Journey 2 The 1 Festival
- Kamilė, Kyle and Tim for your warm-heartedness and energy.
- Front Photo and Video Credit to my friend Agnieszka Laskus
www.agnieszkalaskus.com @agni_las
Award-winning Fine Art Photographer
🏆 IPA | BIPP | ARPS | FotoArtFestival’19
Love and Light
Hassen Rasool
www.hassenrasool.com
Insta @HassenRasool
Email: hassen.rasool786@gmail.com