The Azan: A Call to Prayer and a Pillar of Unity in Society
The Azan, or Adhan, refers to the Call to prayers in Muslim countries. It is not just words recited but a symbol of faith and unity. Its words soften the heart and prepare the mind for the upcoming salat. The call to prayers plays a main role in reminding worshipers of the five daily prayers. The one who calls people to prayers and delivers the Adhan in Islam is called a muezzin.
Besides the beautiful words of Azan, they carry great meanings, such as the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of the prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
If you seek to learn about the words of Adhaan, its history, and more then let’s get started.
Table of Contents
History and origin of Adhan.
The origin of Azan dates back to the time of the prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). There was a need for a way to call people to prayer, and that is when the Adhan was announced. However, before the Adhaan, Muslims used to gather and offer prayers at specified times.
One day one of the prophet’s companions, Abdullah ibn Zayd dreamed of someone reciting the words of Adhan, and when he told his dream to the prophet said that it was an inspiration from Allah Almighty.
Abd-Allah ibn Zayd ibn Abd Rabbihi narrated: “when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) decided to use a bell even though he disliked it because it was like what the Christians used, ‘there appeared to me in a dream a man who was wearing two green garments, in whose hand was a bell. I said, “O slave of Allah, will you sell that bell?” he said, “What will you do with it?” I said, “We will call the people to prayer with it.”
He said, “Shall I not show you something better than that?” I said, “Yes.” He said, “Say, Allahu akbar Allah akbar … (to the end of the adhaan).” When morning came, I went to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and told him what I had seen. He said, “This is a true dream, in sha Allah. Get up with Bilaal and tell him what you have seen, so that he can give the call, because he has a more beautiful voice than you.” So I got up with Bilaal and started telling him what I had seen, and he gave the call to prayer.
‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab heard that whilst he was in his house, and he came out, dragging his cloak behind him, saying, “By the One Who sent you with the truth, O Messenger of Allah, I saw the same as he saw.” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “To Allah be praise.”’ [Narrated by Ahmad, 1588; al-Tirmidhi, 174; Abu Dawood, 421, 430; Ibn Maajah, 698]
Furthermore, because of the beautiful and melodic voice of Bilal Ibn Rabah (RA), the prophet assigned him to call people to prayers. That is how Bilal Ibn Rabah became the first Muezzin in Islam.
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What is the meaning of Azan?
The word Azan meaning is “call”, it was called Adhan in Islam because it calls people to prayers. It is delivered by the muezzin to remind the Muslims of the daily five prayers and unite them for prayers. Therefore, the main purpose of the words of Adhan is to draw the Muslims’ attention to prayers and worship of Allah Almighty. Its beautiful words remind us of the unity of Allah and the prophethood of the prophet Muhamad (peace and blessings be upon him).
The meaning of the words of Adhan.
The words of Azan are recited as follows:
Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر) which translates to be, Allah is the Greatest. This phrase reminds us of the supreme power and greatness of Allah Almighty.
Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah (أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله), which means, I bear witness that there is no god but Allah. this phrase refers to and declares the unity of Allah.
Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasul Allah (أشهد أن محمدًا رسول الله), which means, I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. this is a declaration of the prophethood of our beloved prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)
Hayya ‘ala-s-Salah (حي على الصلاة), which means, Hasten to the prayer. Is a call to prayers, calling All Muslims to pray.
Hayya ‘ala-l-Falah (حي على الفلاح), which means, Hasten to success. This is a call to hurry and offer prayers to win the afterlife and perform one of the five pillars of Islam which is Salah.
Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر), means Allah is the Greatest.
La ilaha illa Allah (لا إله إلا الله), it means, there is no god but Allah.
What are the words of Azan?
Azan in Arabic:
here are the Azan words in Arabic:
(الله أكبر، الله أكبر)
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar
(أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله)
Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah
(أشهد أن محمدًا رسول الله)
Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasul Allah
(حي على الصلاة)
Hayya ‘ala-s-Salah
(حي على الفلاح)
Hayya ‘ala-l-Falah
(الله أكبر، الله أكبر)
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar
(لا إله إلا الله)
La ilaha illa Allah
In the Fajr Azan, there is an additional phrase added to remind the believers that prayer is better than sleeping.
(الصلاة خير من النوم)
As-salatu Khayrun min an-Nawm
Azan in English:
Here are the Azan words in English:
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest (repeated twice).
I bear witness that there is no god but Allah (repeated twice).
I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah (repeated twice).
Hasten to the prayer (repeated twice).
Hasten to success (repeated twice).
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest (repeated twice).
There is no god but Allah.
In the Fajr Azan, there is an additional phrase added to remind the believers that prayer is better than sleeping.
As-salatu Khayrun min an-Nawm
(الصلاة خير من النوم)
Prayer is better than sleep (repeated twice).
What is the Significance and importance of Azan?
The Importance of Azan in Islam is that it works as a reminder of the five daily prayers, unites the Muslim community, strengthens the believer’s faith in Allah, reminds the Muslims of the unity of Allah and the prophethood of the prophet Muhammad, and more.
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “When the Adhan is pronounced Satan takes to his heels and passes wind with noise during his flight in order not to hear the Adhan. When the Adhan is completed, he comes back and again takes to his heels when the Iqama is pronounced and after its completion, he returns again till he whispers into the heart of the person (to divert his attention from his prayer) and makes him remember things which he does not recall to his mind before the prayer and that causes him to forget how much he has prayed.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 608, Book 10, Hadith 6]
Additionally, The Azan reminds us of the prayer time and helps us overcome the whispers of Satan. Here are some of the reasons why Adhan is important for Muslims:
1. Reminder of Faith
Azan plays a big role in the remainder of the five daily prayers. Nonetheless, worshipping Allah Almighty by supplicating Azkar and performing one of the five pillars of Islam which is praying. The Adhan also reminds us of the unity of Allah Almighty and his supreme greatness, and the prophethood of our beloved prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Furthermore, for some reason when listening to the beautiful words of Adhaan, it makes us feel inner peace and takes away all the worries and stress we have. You could think of it as the hidden power of Azan.
2. Azan Calls Muslims to Worship Allah.
Azan reminds us and calls us to prayers; it reminds us that no matter how busy we are we should leave everything aside and hasten to prayers. The two phrases “Hayya ‘ala-s-Salah” (Come to prayer) and “Hayya ‘ala-l-Falah” (Come to success) work like magic as they remind us that this life is nothing but a test and we should do our best to win the afterlife.
3. Azan Unite the community.
The call to prayers unites Muslims and invites them to pray collectively. Just like the Jummah prayer, people gather from everywhere in mosques and leave everything aside to pray and worship Allah. therefore, Adhan unites the community.
4. Blessings and Tranquility
When listening to the words of Azan and its melodic sound you can’t help but feel relieved, like it comes to take all the pain away and reminds you that Allah is always there for you to help you and guide you. All you have to do is to perform Wudu and offer prayers, asking Allah for guidance and help.
What is the role of the Muezzin?
The role of muezzin (mu’adhdhin) is to deliver the Azan in Islam (call to prayer), calling all Muslims for prayers. He delivers the Adhan of the five daily prayers at its specified times. Furthermore, the time of the call to prayer changes from time to time, and the Muezzin is the one who determines the right time of the salat based on the position of the sun.
Additionally, the Muezzin delivers the Iqamah which marks the beginning of the congregation salah.
Rewards of the Muezzin in Islam.
Due to the significant role of the Muezzin in Islam, our beloved prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
It was narrated from `Abd Ar-Rahman ibn `Abdullah ibn `Abd Ar-Rahman ibn Abu Sa`sa`ah Al-Ansari, that his father told him that Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him:
I see that you love sheep and the countryside. When you are with your sheep or in your countryside and the time for prayer comes, then raise your voice with the call to prayer, for no jinn, human or anything else hears the voice of the Mu’adhdhin as far as it reaches, but he (or it) will testify for him on the Day of Resurrection. Abu Sa`id said: I heard that from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). (Narrated by Al-Bukhari, 584)
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Conclusion
The Azan has a significant role in Islam, as it calls people to prayers, reminds us of one of the five pillars of Islam, and reminds us to worship Allah Almighty. It states the unity of Allah and the prophethood of the prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Furthermore, it unites Muslims worldwide and unites the community.
FAQs on Azan
What to say when you hear the Azan?
When hearing the Azan (adhan) you should say what the Muezzin says. Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Whenever you hear the Adhan, say what the Mu’adh-dhin is saying.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 611, Book 10, Hadith 9]
Narrated `Isa bin Talha:
that he had heard Muawiya repeating the words of Adhan up to “Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulul-lah (and I testify that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ).)” [Sahih al-Bukhari 612, Book 10, Hadith 10]
What do Muslims say after Adhan?
It was narrated by Jabir bin `Abdullah tat Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said in a hadith,
“Whoever after listening to the Adhan says, ‘Allahumma Rabba hadhihi-dda` watit-tammah, was-salatil qa’imah, ati Muhammadan al-wasilata wal-fadilah, wa b`ath-hu maqaman mahmudan-il-ladhi wa`adtahu’ [O Allah! Lord of this perfect call (perfect by not ascribing partners to You) and of the regular prayer which is going to be established, give Muhammad the right of intercession and illustriousness, and resurrect him to the best and the highest place in Paradise that You promised him (of)], then my intercession for him will be allowed on the Day of Resurrection”. [Sahih al-Bukhari 614, Book 10, Hadith 12]
How to call adhan in Islam?
To call people to prayer and perform Azan (Adhan), stand facing the Qiblah (Kaaba), raise both your hands at the level of your ears and recite the words of Adhan in a beautiful and melodic voice.
What does the Quran say about adhan?
Allah Almighty says in the Quran the following about Azan:
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا نُودِىَ لِلصَّلَوٰةِ مِن يَوْمِ ٱلْجُمُعَةِ فَٱسْعَوْا۟ إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ وَذَرُوا۟ ٱلْبَيْعَ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌۭ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ ٩
“O believers! When the call to prayer is made on Friday, then proceed ˹diligently˺ to the remembrance of Allah and leave off ˹your˺ business. That is best for you if only you knew.” [Verse (62:9)]
What is the call to prayer in Islam?
The call to prayer in Islam is called Adhan and it is recited as follows:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar
(الله أكبر، الله أكبر)
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest (repeated twice).
Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah
(أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله)
I bear witness that there is no god but Allah (repeated twice).
Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasul Allah
(أشهد أن محمدًا رسول الله)
I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah (repeated twice).
Hayya ‘ala-s-Salah
(حي على الصلاة)
Hasten to the prayer (repeated twice).
Hayya ‘ala-l-Falah
(حي على الفلاح)
Hasten to success (repeated twice).
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar
(الله أكبر، الله أكبر)
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest (repeated twice).
La ilaha illa Allah
(لا إله إلا الله)
There is no god but Allah.
Did Prophet Muhammad call Azan?
No, prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) didn’t call Azan. The one who delivered Adhan in the time of the prophet Muhammad was one of the companions called Bilal Ibn Rabah.
