The father in the story explains the significance of the adhan, an Islamic call to prayer, which communicates the greatness of God and the message of Muhammad. He believes that the first sounds a child should hear are prayers, symbolizing the sacredness and awe of each new life. The baby is a miracle, and starting their life with spiritual words is profoundly meaningful.
The contrast between this father's wishes and those of Turk Bauer is stark, representing a deep divide in values. While one request is rooted in love and faith, the other stems from hatred and prejudice. This juxtaposition emphasizes the powerful themes of love, hope, and the impact of one's beliefs in Jodi Picoult's "Small Great Things."