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In this first edition of The Soultown , we ’ ll discuss the Adhan . The Muslim believes that children are born Muslims , and as such do not need to be initiated or brought into the fold of a faith through rituals like a baptism and christening . Because of this belief , and the implicit duty of all Muslims to , when able , perform five daily prayers , the first words a child should hear should be the text of the call to prayer , Adhan , whispered into the right ear of a newborn . Like every other aspect of Islamic life , if the Prophet Muhammad ( Peace be upon Him ) was observed performing a certain act , that act became the most preferable act . The Prophet Muhammad was witnessed to have whispered the Adhan into the ear of his grandson , Hussain .
Though not the father of the child ( Hussain ’ s father was Ali ), the Prophet Muhammad ( Peace be upon Him ) is reported to have stated , “ Every mother ’ s children are associated with their father except for the children of Fatima for I am their father and lineage .” Because of this , his grandson , Hussain , was treated by the Prophet ( Peace be upon Him ) as his own son , and this set the precedent of the ritual cited above . Prophetic context demonstrates that , while it is preferable for the father , another adult male can perform the same task in place of the father . The atrocities of how the North American slave trade was sourced supports the fact that , while not all enslaved Africans were Muslim , the existence of trade with Arabs in western Africa evidences the probability of Islamic influence and practice . Descendants of African slaves yearning for a connection to their ancestors , our ancestors , can note the historical context of the root of many rituals handed down from generations and find aspects of Islam within them .
Remember , Muslims believe that everyone is born Muslim , in submission to God . Choices made after birth either convert that faith , or affirm it . The history of North American slavery clearly reveals the lack of a choice given to children borne of that deplorable practice , furthering the distance from the practices of our pre-slavery antecedents and feeding the clear lack of consciousness evident today .
Perhaps we should consider whispering the Adhan into the ears of our young people today and affirm submission to God as the way of life prescribed to us .
Through his written word , freelance writer and native Chicagoan Haisan 2X seeks to share his passion for faith , family , the arts , life and the 2016 World Champion Chicago Cubs !
Courtesy Photos : Screenshot from original film Roots
The Adhan
Allahu Akbar , Allahu Akbar ( x2 ) Ashadu anla Illaha il Allah ( x2 ) Ashadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah ( x2 ) Hayya Alal Salat ( x2 ) Hayya Alal Falat ( x2 ) Allahu Akbar ( x2 ) La Illaha il Allah
( Translation )
God is the Greatest , God is the Greatest ( x2 ) I bear witness there is no God but Allah ( x2 ) I bear witness Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah ( x2 ) Come to prayer ( x2 ) Come to success ( x2 ) God is the Greatest ( x2 ) There is no God But Allah
THESOULTOWN . COM THE SOULTOWN • CONNECTING OUR CULTURE TO OUR COMMUNITY THE WHISPER 9