By Menin Rodrigues

2023 Flashback: CALL TO PRAYER, A SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL INSPIRATION

December 2023 – So, here’s a recollection: In the quiet moments of dawn, as the first rays of the sun gently caress the horizon, a profound and timeless ritual unfolds in Karachi and across cities and towns worldwide. It is a moment when the world is still asleep or just beginning to stir from its slumber, and the beauty of this awakening lies in the calls to prayer that echo through the air. The Az’aan and the chime of Church bells are the source of spiritual inspiration, a soul-searching connection to faith.

The Az’aan in Islam and the ringing of Church bells in Christianity are perhaps two of the world’s most iconic and resonant sounds. Beyond their religious significance, they hold a universal appeal that transcends boundaries and speaks to something deep within the human soul. My birthplace Karachi where I grew up and lived most of my life, gave me that feeling. It still resounds in my mind as I write these lines, giving credence to the fact that religious freedom in Pakistan is as sacred as the Constitution of the country in which it is lawfully embedded.

In his Christmas 2023 message, President Arif Alvi said, “minorities in Pakistan have full access to all political, economic, and social rights guaranteed by the Constitution.”

The early morning (Fajr) Az’aan is particularly poignant. The muezzin’s voice rises like a spiritual wake-up call as the city lies shrouded in a tranquil stillness. It’s a gentle reminder to the faithful that it’s time to turn their hearts and minds towards God, to seek His guidance and grace in the serenity of the pre-dawn hours. Similarly, the pealing of Church bells heralds the beginning of a new day, invoking a sense of reverence and contemplation. The chimes resonate far and wide through the crisp morning air, inviting people to prayer, worship, and reflection.

What makes these sublime calls to prayer so profoundly beautiful is not just their auditory charm but also the emotions they evoke. They are a stirring wake-up call to the soul, urging us to pause, reflect, and connect with the divine. The early morning call is a gentle nudge, a spiritual whisper that carries a promise of hope and renewal.

A unique spectacle unfolds as the calls to prayer resound across the city. People from all walks of life, young and old, from diverse backgrounds and experiences, begin to converge upon their respective places of worship. It’s a sight to behold as the faithful hurriedly walk to their places of worship with a sense of purpose drawn by an invisible thread of faith that binds them together. I recall my own experience in Karachi every morning when neighbors, friends, and acquaintances, in small numbers, would cross each other’s paths on the way to the neighborhood mosque and church and greet one another invoking a sublime connection to prayer. How many Western cultures can match up with this unique ‘daily’ connection with faith?

In this shared journey, there is a profound sense of unity and belonging. Regardless of the faith it represents, the call to prayer is a unifying force. It reminds us that we are all seekers, all yearning for a deeper connection with the divine. It bridges the gaps that sometimes divide us, reminding us that beneath our perceived differences, misunderstandings, and intolerance, we are all part of a larger spiritual tapestry.

Moreover, the beauty of these calls to prayer extends beyond their spiritual significance. They are an integral part of the cultural and architectural landscapes of cities and towns. The minarets of mosques and the steeples of churches rise majestically in Karachi, their distinctive features becoming landmarks that shape the identity of a place, and thus, the sound of the call to prayer becomes woven into the daily rhythms of life, creating a sense of continuity and tradition.

In an increasingly noisy and chaotic world, the calls to prayer serve as a serene oasis of calm. They are a reminder to slow down, to listen, and to reflect. In a world where distractions abound, they provide a moment of respite, inviting us to disconnect from the mundane and reconnect with the spiritual. Yet, in the West and in proverbial ‘cancel cultures’ it is now considered a breach of privacy and a source of disruption, and regrettably, both the pealing of bells and the Az’aan are now allegedly disallowed by law!

Therefore, as we bid adieu to 2023 and look forward to welcoming 2024, let us continue to hear the melodies and feel their resonance deep within our hearts. Let us allow them to awaken our spirits, to inspire us to lead lives of greater compassion, kindness, and understanding. The call to prayer, in my opinion, is a profound connection to our faith and to the shared humanity that binds us all.