“Prayer calls in Fez, Morocco”
(Note- the first part of the audio in this video is a better than the second.
Although the second is closer to what I initially heard as I emerged from my stupor of sleep)
My first night in Fez, I was awoken around 3 AM by the Muslim adhan (Arabic: “prayer calls”) which occurs five times throughout the day.
Was it someone moaning in pain or was our riad being haunted. 3 AM and bleary-eyed, I initially couldn’t make out the difference.
It turned out to be one of the most mystical and meditative moments I’ve experienced with sound and one of my fondest highlights of Morocco. Haunting yet heavenly, the prayers are called out by a muezzin (a chosen person who leads the calls) and amplified over the mosque loudspeakers as the Islamic community reminder of its religion and lifestyle. During daylight hours, able locals will rush to the mosque to observe this prayer ritual.
- morocco prayer call
Here are some of the phrases of the prayer:
* God is great.
* I witness that there is no god but God.
* I witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
* Rise up for prayer.
* Rise up for salvation.
* God is great.
* There is no god but God.
- Men gather outside mosque during prayer call
Other useful Fes links:
Fes Travel Guide **
NY Times Article “The Soul of Morocco”
Fez Festival of World Sacred Music
