Adhan (Call To Prayer)

The "Adhan" is a call to inform others in specific words that the time for a particular prayer has begun. It is a call to the congregation and is an expression of the Islamic practice. It is required as an act for all the Obligatory Prayers.

The Virtues of Adhan
The greatness of the virtue which Islam attaches to the "Adhan" and the one who performs it i.e. the "Muadhin", can be noted from the following verse of the Holy Qur'an:“ Who is better in speech than one who calls (the people) to Allah and works righteousness.” (Qur'an, Surah Fussilat, 41:33).

The mother of the faithful, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) confirmed that this verse concerns and refers to the Muadhin and was revealed on no other reason than for the Muadhin.

And, from the prophetic traditions, Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him), said: “If the people knew the reward in the Adhan and the first row of! the prayer and that they could not get it (the reward) save by drawing lots, they would draw lots.” (Narrated by Imam Bukhari).

And, in another saying the Prophet (peace be upon him), said: “The Muadhins will on the Day of Judgement have the longest necks (reflecting their exclusive eminence).” (Reported by Imam Muslim).

How the Adhan is performed
Preferably, there should be an appointed Muadhin at each Mosque who will call the people to prayer when the time of a particular prayer is due. In performing the Adhan, the Muadhin would stand facing the direction of the "Qiblah" (the sacred mosque in Makkah). He would then raise both hands up to his ears and say in a loud voice the following words:

1. ALLAHU AKBAR - Allah is the greatest (to be repeated 4 times).

2. ASH-HADU ANLA ILAHA ILLALLAAH - I testify that there is no god but Allah. (to be repeated 2 times).

3. ASH-HADU ANNA MUHAMMADAN RASUULULLAAH - I testify that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger. (to be repeated 2 times).

4. HAYYAA LAS SALAAT - Come fast to prayer. (to be repeated 2 times). The Muadhin, when reciting this turns the face slightly to the right side.

5. HAYYAA LAL FALAAH - Come fast to success. (to be repeated 2 times). The Muadhin, when reciting this turns the face slightly to the left side.

6. ALLAHU AKBAR -Allah is the greatest. (to be repeated 2 times).

7. LAA ILAHA ILLALLAAH - There is no god but Allah. (to be recited once).

Note: In the Adhan, for the Fajr (Dawn) prayer, the following words are recited twice after Hayya'alal Falaah: ASSALATU KHEIRUM MINA NAWM, (to be recited two times) which means - "Salaat is better than sleep ".

What Someone Supplicates Upon Hearing the Adhan
It is preferred practice that when a person hears the Adhan, he should repeat the words the Muadhin calls out, except, when he says "Haaya alal Salaat and Hayya alal Falaah", the listener should instead say: LA HOWLA WALA QUWATA ILLA BILLAH which means, "There is no power and strength except by Allah".

The Supplication after the Adhan
Upon the completion of the Adhan, it is recommended that the listener recite the following supplication: ALLAHUMMA RABBA HADHIHID DA'WATI - TAMMAH, WASALATIL QA'IMAH, ATI MUHAMMADAN AL WASILATA WAL FADHILATA, - WAAB'ATHUHU MAQAMUM MAH-MUDAN-ALLADHII WAAD TAHU.  which means: "O Allah, Lord of this complete call and of the prayer to be held, grant Muhammad the most favored and excellent position in the Paradise and raise him to the praise worthy place that You have promised him".

It is highly recommended to recite the above supplication at the end of every Adhan and in this regard the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “It becomes obligatory upon me to intercede for him (person reciting the supplication) on the Day of Judgement.” (Reported by Imam Bukhari).