The Adhan: The Islamic Call to Prayer

The Adhan (أَذَان) is the Islamic call to prayer, recited by the muezzin from the mosque to announce the time for each of the five daily prayers. It is one of the most recognizable sounds in the Muslim world—a call that unites believers and reminds them of their duty to Allah.

Origin The Adhan was prescribed after a dream seen by Abdullah ibn Zayd and approved by the Prophet (peace be upon him). Bilal ibn Rabah was the first muezzin, chosen for his beautiful voice. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "O Bilal, stand and call the people to prayer."

The Adhan (Standard)

"Allah is the Greatest" (4 times) "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah" (2 times) "I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah" (2 times) "Come to prayer" (2 times) "Come to success" (2 times) "Allah is the Greatest" (2 times) "There is no god but Allah" (1 time)

For Fajr Only After "Come to success," the muezzin adds:

"Prayer is better than sleep" (2 times)

The Iqama (Second Call) The Iqama is recited just before the prayer begins, inside the mosque. It is similar to the Adhan but faster, with "Qad qamatis salah" (Prayer has begun) added twice after "Come to success."

What to Say When You Hear the Adhan Repeat the words of the Adhan. When you hear "Hayya alas salah" and "Hayya alal falah," say:

"There is no power or strength except with Allah."

After the Adhan, send blessings upon the Prophet and recite the dua:

"O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and of the established prayer, grant Muhammad the station of nearness and excellence, and raise him to the praiseworthy position that You have promised him."

Virtues The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When you hear the muezzin, repeat what he says, then send blessings upon me, for whoever sends one blessing upon me, Allah will send ten upon him. Then ask Allah for al-Wasilah for me—it is a station in Paradise that only one of Allah's servants will attain, and I hope that I will be the one."