How to Call the Adhan: A Step-by-Step Guide to Performing the Prayer Call 

It is important to call the adhan. The Adhan (أذان) is the Islamic call to prayer, an important and revered tradition that serves as a reminder of the five daily prayers required of Muslims.

The Adhan is heard five times a day, marking the beginning of each prayer time, and serves to unite Muslims in their devotion to God.

Understanding the Purpose of the Adhan

The call the adhan (or call to prayer) serves several important purposes in Islam:

Call the adhan for Announcing the Time for Prayer:

The primary purpose of the Adhan is to announce that it is time for one of the five daily prayers (Salah). This ensures that Muslims are aware of the specific time for prayer, which is crucial for the practice of their faith.

 

Inviting the Community to Worship:

The call the adhan acts as a public invitation to the Muslim community to gather for prayer at the mosque or in congregation. It serves to remind people of their religious duties and encourages them to perform Salah.

 

The call the adhan Remind of the Oneness of God:

The words of the call the adhan highlight the central beliefs of Islam, particularly the Oneness of Allah (God) and the Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH). By repeating key phrases like “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest) and “Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah” (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah), the Adhan reinforces the foundation of Islamic faith.

 

Call the adhan Calling Muslims to Spiritual Awareness:

The call the adhan is a reminder for Muslims to turn their attention towards worship and seek closeness to Allah, marking the start of a moment of spiritual devotion.

 

Unity and Sense of Community:

The call the adhan creates a sense of unity among Muslims, as it calls everyone, regardless of background, to come together for a common purpose—to worship and seek forgiveness from Allah.

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Preparing to Perform the Adhan

Here is how to prepare to call the adhan:

1. Call the adhan Physical and Spiritual Preparation

Wudu (Ablution): It is preferred to be in a state of wudu (ablution) before performing the Adhan. This is not obligatory, but it is a recommended act of cleanliness and purity when calling others to prayer.

Appropriate Clothing: Wear clean and modest clothing that is suitable for religious duties.

2. Know the Words of the Adhan

The call the adhan has a specific set of words, and it’s important to recite them correctly. The traditional Adhan consists of the following phrases:

 

Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر) – God is the Greatest (4 times)

Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah (أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله) – I bear witness that there is no god but Allah (2 times)

Ashhadu anna Muhammadur rasulullah (أشهد أن محمدًا رسول الله) – I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah (2 times)

Hayya ala-s-Salah (حي على الصلاة) – Hurry to the prayer (2 times)

Hayya ala-l-Falah (حي على الفلاح) – Hurry to success (2 times)

Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر) – God is the Greatest (2 times)

La ilaha illallah (لا إله إلا الله) – There is no god but Allah (1 time)

 

3. Prepare Your Voice

Practice Clear Pronunciation: The call the adhan requires clear, precise pronunciation, especially for non-native Arabic speakers. Ensure that you pronounce the Arabic words properly.

Tone and Projection: The Adhan should be called with a strong, resonant voice so that it reaches a large number of people. Practicing your tone, projection, and modulation is important. Try to keep a moderate pace to avoid rushing through the words.

Avoid Straining Your Voice: While it’s important to project your voice, avoid straining your throat. Hydrate before performing the Adhan to ensure your voice remains clear.

4. The call the adhan Timing and Position

Time the call the adhan Accurately: Make sure the Adhan is called at the right time for the prayer. Each of the five daily prayers has its own designated time, and the Adhan should reflect that specific time.

Stand or Sit Facing the Qibla: While calling the Adhan, it is recommended to face the Qibla (the direction of the Ka’bah in Mecca) if possible. If you’re calling the Adhan in a mosque, it’s often done from the minaret or a speaker system, but in a personal setting, facing the Qibla is ideal.

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Pronunciation Tips for Each Line of the Adhan

Here are some tips to pronounce each line correctly:

1. Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر) – God is the Greatest

Pronunciation of call the adhan: “Al-lah-hu Ak-bar”

Tips:

• Emphasize the “A” sound in “Allah” (like in “ah”), and make sure the “k” in “Akbar” is pronounced with a strong, clear sound.
• The “r” in “Akbar” should be lightly rolled (a gentle “r” sound typical in Arabic).

2. Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah (أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله) – I bear witness that there is no god but Allah

Pronunciation of the call the adhan: “Ash-ha-doo an la i-la-ha ill-al-lah”

Tips:

• The “sh” in “Ashhadu” should sound like “sh” in “shoe.”
• The “a” in “an” is pronounced as “ah.”
• In “la ilaha,” the “a” should be clear, with a soft “h” sound at the end of “ilaha.”
• The “ll” in “illallah” is pronounced as a double “l” sound, with emphasis on the “a” in the middle.

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3. Call the adhan Ashhadu anna Muhammadur rasulullah (أشهد أن محمدًا رسول الله) – I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah

Pronunciation: “Ash-ha-doo an-na Mu-ham-ma-dur ra-su-lu-llah”

Tips:

• In “Muhammadur,” emphasize the “h” and make sure the “a” in both syllables is pronounced clearly (like “a” in “father”).
• “Rasulullah” should be pronounced with a gentle “r” (rolling slightly) and a soft “u” in the middle.
• The “ll” in “rasulullah” is similar to the previous line—double “l” sound, with emphasis on the final “a” in “llah.”

4. Hayya ala-s-Salah (حي على الصلاة) – Hurry to the prayer

Pronunciation of the call the adhan: “Hay-ya a-la-s-sa-lah”

Tips:

• “Hayya” sounds like “high-ya,” where the “h” is soft and the “ya” is pronounced like “ya” in “yarn.”
• In “Salah,” the “s” should be clear, and the “a” should be a short, sharp “a” sound (as in “cat”).

5. Hayya ala-l-Falah (حي على الفلاح) – Hurry to success

Pronunciation of the call the adhan: “Hay-ya a-la-l-fa-lah”

Tips:

• “Falah” should have a soft “f,” and the “a” in the first and last syllables should sound like “a” in “father.”
• Make sure the “l” is crisp and clear in “ala” and “falah.”
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6. Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر) – God is the Greatest (repeated)

Same as the first line: “Al-lah-hu Ak-bar.”

Tips: Follow the same pronunciation tips as in step 1.

7. La ilaha illallah (لا إله إلا الله) – There is no god but Allah

Pronunciation: “La i-la-ha ill-al-lah”

Tips:

• The “la” is pronounced “lah,” with a soft “a” (like “ah”).
• In “illallah,” emphasize the “ll” with the “a” pronounced clearly, and again, ensure a gentle “h” sound at the end of “illah.”

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Conclusion

Call the adhan is much more than a call to prayer; it is a profound reminder of faith, unity, and devotion. It connects Muslims to their Creator, encouraging them to pause and reflect on their purpose in life.

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FAQs

How should one respond when the mu’adhdhin says “As-salatu khayrun min an-nawm (prayer is better than sleep)”?

You should repeat what the Muadhdhin says.

Is it mandatory to call adhan?

No, calling the Adhan is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended and a Sunnah for mosques or designated prayer areas.