Let's Learn What is Adhan, Who Calls the Adhan & How to Call the Adhan
The Adhan (أذان) is the sacred call to prayer in Islam, echoing through mosques around the world, reminding believers of their duty to worship Allah. More than just a call, the Adhan holds deep spiritual, historical, and practical significance. Rooted in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, it is a practice that unites the ummah (Muslim community) and marks the daily rhythm of a Muslim’s life.
In this blog, we will explore:
- What is the Adhan?
- How is the Adhan called according to Sunnah?
- Who is allowed to call the Adhan?
- The best way to respond to the Adhan
- A summary table for quick reference
What is the Adhan?
The Adhan is an announcement made before each of the five daily prayers (Salah), inviting Muslims to worship Allah. It is recited by a Mu’adhin (the one who calls the Adhan) in a loud and melodious voice, ensuring that all Muslims within hearing distance are reminded of the prayer.
The Origin of the Adhan
During the early days of Islam, the companions of the Prophet ﷺ were unsure of how to call people to prayer. Some suggested using a bell like Christians, while others proposed using a horn like the Jews. Then, a companion named Abdullah ibn Zayd had a dream in which he was taught the words of the Adhan by an angel. When he reported this to the Prophet ﷺ, the Prophet confirmed it as a true vision and instructed Bilal ibn Rabah (RA), the first official Mu’adhin of Islam, to call the Adhan.
This story is narrated in Sunan Abu Dawood 499 and Jami` at-Tirmidhi 189, confirming the divine origins of the Adhan.
How is the Adhan Called According to the Sunnah?
The Adhan follows a specific format based on authentic Hadith. The words are recited in a specific order and must be done in a loud yet humble manner.
The Words of the Adhan
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ (4x) | Allāhu Akbar (4x) | Allah is the Greatest |
| أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ (2x) | Ashhadu an lā ilāha illa Allah (2x) | I bear witness that there is no god but Allah |
| أَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ (2x) | Ashhadu anna Muḥammadan Rasūl Allah (2x) | I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah |
| حَيَّ عَلَى ٱلصَّلَاةِ (2x) | Hayya 'alaṣ-Ṣalāh (2x) | Come to prayer |
| حَيَّ عَلَى ٱلْفَلَاحِ (2x) | Hayya 'alal-Falāḥ (2x) | Come to success |
| اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ (2x) | Allāhu Akbar (2x) | Allah is the Greatest |
| لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ (1x) | Lā ilāha illa Allah (1x) | There is no god but Allah |
For Fajr prayer, an additional line is added:
- "As-Salātu Khayrun Minan-Nawm" (2x) – “Prayer is better than sleep”
The Words of the Fajr Adhan
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ (4x) | Allāhu Akbar (4x) | Allah is the Greatest |
| أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ (2x) | Ashhadu an lā ilāha illa Allah (2x) | I bear witness that there is no god but Allah |
| أَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ (2x) | Ashhadu anna Muḥammadan Rasūl Allah (2x) | I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah |
| حَيَّ عَلَى ٱلصَّلَاةِ (2x) | Hayya 'alaṣ-Ṣalāh (2x) | Come to prayer |
| حَيَّ عَلَى ٱلْفَلَاحِ (2x) | Hayya 'alal-Falāḥ (2x) | Come to success |
| ٱلصَّلَاةُ خَيْرٌ مِّنَ ٱلنَّوْمِ (2x) | As-Ṣalātu Khayrun Minan-Nawm (2x) | Prayer is better than sleep |
| اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ (2x) | Allāhu Akbar (2x) | Allah is the Greatest |
| لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ (1x) | Lā ilāha illa Allah (1x) | There is no god but Allah |
When to Call the Adhan?
The Adhan is called before each of the five daily prayers at the time of their entry:
- Fajr (Dawn Prayer) – Before sunrise
- Dhuhr (Noon Prayer) – When the sun passes its zenith
- Asr (Afternoon Prayer) – When the shadow of an object is equal to its length
- Maghrib (Sunset Prayer) – Just after the sun sets
- Isha (Night Prayer) – When the sky becomes completely dark
In addition, the Adhan is also called for the Friday (Jumu’ah) prayer before the sermon (khutbah).
📣Read: Angels Take Turns at Fajr and 'Asr – Learn Why These Prayers Are Special
Who is Allowed to Call the Adhan?
Not everyone can call the Adhan. Islam sets certain conditions for who can become a Mu’adhin (caller of the Adhan).
Conditions for a Mu’adhin:
- Must be a Muslim – The Adhan is a sacred act of worship, and only Muslims can perform it.
- Must be male – Traditionally, the Prophet ﷺ assigned men to call the Adhan, though women may call the Adhan in private settings.
- Must be of sound mind – A person calling the Adhan must be able to understand what they are saying.
- Must have a loud, clear voice – The Adhan should be heard by as many people as possible.
- Should be righteous – It is recommended that the Mu’adhin be someone with good character and strong faith.
What to Do When You Hear the Adhan?
It is Sunnah to respond to the Adhan by repeating the same words as the Mu’adhin, except for “Hayya ‘alaṣ-Ṣalāh” and “Hayya ‘alal-Falāḥ”, where we should say:
لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ
La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah
"There is no power and no might except with Allah."
After the Adhan, it is recommended to recite this supplication:
اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ هَذِهِ الدَّعْوَةِ التَّامَّةِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْقَائِمَةِ، آتِ مُحَمَّدًا الْوَسِيلَةَ وَالْفَضِيلَةَ وَابْعَثْهُ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا الَّذِي وَعَدْتَهُ
Allahumma rabba hadhihi al-da’wat al-tammah was-salatil qa’imah, ati Muhammadan al-wasilata wal-fadilata wab’ath-hu maqaman mahmudan alladhi wa’adtah
"O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and established prayer, grant Muhammad the intercession and favor, and raise him to the honored position You have promised him."(Sahih al-Bukhari 614)
Summary Table of the Adhan
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | A call to prayer and reminder of Allah |
| Origin | Instituted by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ after Abdullah ibn Zayd’s dream |
| Caller (Mu’adhin) | A righteous Muslim man with a clear voice |
| Timing | Before each of the five daily prayers |
| Response | Repeat after the Mu’adhin and recite the supplication after the Adhan |
| Special Addition for Fajr | “As-Salātu Khayrun Minan-Nawm” – Prayer is better than sleep |
Are you learning so far?
The Adhan is not just a call to prayer—it is a powerful reminder of faith, a symbol of unity, and an invitation to submit to Allah’s will. It is a call that has echoed for over 1400 years, uniting Muslims across cultures, languages, and lands.
May we always respond to the Adhan with eagerness and gratitude, and may Allah make us among those who answer His call with sincerity. Ameen. 🌹
References:
- Sahih al-Bukhari 614, 604 – The response to the Adhan
- Sahih Muslim 579 – The qualifications of a Mu’adhin
- Sunan Abu Dawood 499, 500 – The origin of the Adhan
- Jami` at-Tirmidhi 189 – The story of Abdullah ibn Zayd’s dream
- Sunan Ibn Majah 717 – The addition for Fajr prayer
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