Call to Prayer at Dawn on a Friday

There are few things more calming and comforting than waking up in a soft slumber hearing the first call to prayer at dawn. On Friday's they have a special prayer, extra long, extra sweet, extra soft. It's sweet morning music, to remind you that you are alive. 

Fridays are the holy days in Islam, so that means that most shops are closed around town, life moves extra slow, special prayers are said at the mosque, and couscous. On Fridays, you must eat couscous. 

Sometimes when the call to prayer happens throughout the day, it can be rather startling, like a bomb siren. It can make you jump right out of your seat if and can feel rather apocalyptic. But after months of living here in Morocco, it has become like a daily anchor, and small reminder that you are part of the whole. A reminder that the tiny things you get lost inside throughout the day are mostly just nonsense.  

I've had the most precious moments listening to those sirens reminding me of God. And regardless of whatever religion, belief and culture you belong to, those moments are unarguably beautiful, especially when the light is just right, and the Imane's voice is has a particularly sweet melody. 

Allah Akbar. God is great.