Okay, blue-eyesight is ready to move onto the next pilar of Islam now. Praying five times a day is a biggie here in the middle east. The first time I heard the call to prayer was in Istanbul about 12 years ago. I was buying a "sapphire" ring and the jeweler was giving me an "extra special deal" when I heard the wailing from the towers above. I fully expected the jeweler to whip out the prayer mat, fall to the ground and get after it that very minute. However, he kept right on showing me rings. I'm sure there is some sort of "Hey, I'm in the middle of ripping-off an infidel here" clause to excuse the neglect of prayers on such an occasion.
I have to admit that I enjoy hearing the call throughout the day. Similar to church bells in a way, it is everywhere you go and helps you keep track of the time. I may be in theGap shopping for my low-rise, boot-cut, curvy fit dark wash jeans with my Starbucks skinny mocha frapachino when I hear the call. An ancient yodel cutting through all the western influences that surround me. I'm reminded of where I am and it ain't the Houston Galleria.
1 comment:
The required prayer times are not much,remember what the New Testament said "pray without ceasing". Maybe we need some bells or whistles, music to remind us of our privilege of communicating with the "True One God" through His Son.
POPS
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