THE CALL TO PRAYER
Synopsis
This composition is a traditional Muslim song from the British Isles and is performed at an allegretto speed. Victorian and Edwardian Muslims left a legacy of songs to make singing a part of everyday life and worship for English and Western Muslims. This song reflects on the mood and events around the call to prayer, adhan, five times a day. Muslims are obligated to offer formal prayer at the break of dawn, noon, late afternoon, sunset and at night. The lyrics reflect on nature at each of these prayer times and concludes with the impact the call to prayer can have on the listener.
The Call to Prayer, Azan / Adhan, indicates to Muslims that it is time to congregate for one of the five daily scheduled ritual prayers, particularly in a mosque.
Allahu Akbar called Takbir in Arabic, meaning "God is greater" or "God is the greatest". It is repeated 6 times in the call to prayer before each ritual prayer.
Mood: Passionate | Reflective | Sweet
Influence / Genre: Manx | Ballad | Irish Traditional Tune
Language: English
LYRICS ENGLISH
VERSE ONE
I hear a cry in the silent night
’Ere the dawn breaks cold and grey:
It fills my soul with strange delight,
Though it sounds so far away.
CHORUS
Allah, Hu Akbar! comes the call Allah, Hu Akbar, there!
Allah, Hu Akbar, one and all Ye faithful come to prayer!
VERSE TWO
Again ’tis heard at the noontide hour
When Nature’s bright and gay
It seems that bird and tree and flow’r
Burst forth in roundelay
VERSE THREE
Again I hear it as day declines
And the labourer’s task is o’er!
Its echoes stir the lofty pines
And above the city’s roar.
VERSE FOUR
When the sun goes down ’tis heard again
When the weary seek their rest,
When clouds fly past, and a sound of rain
Comes sobbing from the west;
VERSE FIVE
By night and day, by eve and morn,
The call rings in mine ears:
It can admonish, it can warn,
Can rouse, or calm our fears.
CHORUS
Allah, Hu Akbar! comes the call, Allah, Hu Akbar, there!
Allah, Hu Akbar, one and all, Despise the call who dare!
