The Call to Prayer by Walter Burton Harris: A Journey Between Faith and Identity from Marrakech to Seville

Abstract

“The Call to Prayer" by Walter Burton Harris is a short story that explores the intersection of faith and cultural identity through the journey of a muezzin from Marrakech to Seville. The story is set against the backdrop of Morocco under Sultan Hassan I, reflecting the cultural and religious milieu of the time. Harris's narrative delves into the spiritual solitude and contemplation of the muezzin, who is inspired by a prophetic vision to bring the Islamic call to prayer back to Andalusia. The story contrasts the historical significance of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech with the Giralda in Seville, highlighting themes of religious devotion, cultural memory, and the challenges of translating these nuanced concepts into Arabic. This analysis explores the thematic elements and translation challenges, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and the preservation of literary beauty in conveying the original's depth to an Arabic-speaking audience.