"Call and response" is a musical or vocal pattern where one person or group, referred to as the "caller," initiates a phrase or musical idea, and another person or group, known as the "responder" provides a direct or improvised response to that phrase. It is a form of interaction and dialogue within music, often associated with African and African-American musical traditions but also found in various cultures worldwide.
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In call and response, the caller typically presents a short musical or vocal motif, known as the "call," which serves as a prompt or invitation for the responders to join in and provide their own musical or vocal contribution, known as the "response." The response may echo the call, provide a complementary melody or harmony, or introduce new musical elements. The pattern continues as a back-and-forth exchange, creating a dynamic and interactive musical conversation between those involved.
Call and response is found in musical genres including, gospel, blues, jazz, folk, reggae, and many forms of traditional and popular music. It serves several purposes including, enhancing the rhythmic and melodic elements of the music, engaging the audience or participants, and creating a sense of community and unity.
But what is the Greatest Call and Response?
The purpose of this note today is to call your attention to the call and response between a father and his child. Many years ago, my father took his Shahada. The Shahada, also known as the Islamic declaration of faith, is a fundamental pillar of Islam encapsulated in a concise phrase: "La ilaha illAllah, Muhammadun rasulAllah." It translates to, "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." The Shahada serves as a testimony of faith and an affirmation of belief in the Oneness of Allah as the sole deity worthy of worship and the acceptance of Muhammad as the final prophet and messenger.
The Shahada was my father’s “call” and my “response” is that I am raising my sons as Muslims. When I was a child, I often woke up in the middle of the night to see my dad praying the night prayers. My dad did not know that I was there. Only Daddy, Allah, and I witnessed these moments. As I grew to become a husband and father, I adopted this practice. My father was teaching me how to be a man. That was his call. My response is still in progress, still under construction, but it is certainly in motion. My response is to create the conditions for my sons whereby they can be raised immersed in their faith and ultimately be better than my father and me.
Before I go, a moment to underscore this idea of faith and call and response-
This one is about the call and response that occurs when people recite Sura Fatiha - the opening chapter of the Holy Quran. Surah Fatiha is recited several times a day for those who observe their prayers. In Surah Fatiha, worshippers are engaging in a call and response with the Creator of the Universe.
Finally, allow me to share how I spent my father’s day - watching my middle son work hard and contribute to his soccer club to win a weekend tournament. The second picture features the team and my other two sons who snuck into the picture.
