مرحبا بكم في موقع مواقيت الصلاة

Muslim Call to Prayer (Athan)

Have you ever stopped to listen to the beautiful sounds that reverberate from mosques during the peaceful hours of dawn and dusk? They are known as Athan (Adhan or Azan) and play an essential role in Islamic culture, dating back to the first year of the Hijrah in Madinah.

This exciting guide will reveal the meaning, significance, and fascinating history of this beautiful call to prayer. Prepare for an enthralling exploration of one of Islam’s most cherished traditions. You’re in for an eye-opening and enlightening read, believe me!

Understanding the Muslim Call to Prayer (Athan)

The Muslim Call to Prayer, known as Athan, holds significant importance in the Muslim faith.

The Meaning of Athan

The Athan, also known as the Muslim Call to Prayer, is an integral part of Islam because it serves as a timely reminder for believers to stop their worldly activities and commune with their Creator. It comes from the Arabic word ‘Adhan’, which means “announcement.”

This announcement is broadcast five times a day from Mosques around the world:

• Early in the morning (Fajr)
• Around noon (Dhuhr)
• Late afternoon (Asr)
• Sunset (Maghrib)
• At night (Isha) 

It is regarded as one of the most distinctive aspects of Islamic spirituality, not only for marking prayer times but also for emphasizing Muslim unity through shared ritual practice.

Understanding the significance of Athan and its role in shaping the Muslim faith is critical if you want to learn more about Islamic culture or deepen your own religious practices.

Importance of Athan in Muslim Faith

For Muslims, each call to prayer represents more than just a summons to the mosque; it also represents spiritual unity and collective identity among believers.

The Athan, heard five times a day around the world, is a religious obligation and a powerful expression of devotion and submission to Allah SWT, resounding from minarets and representing a unifying commitment to faith across diverse cultures.

The Muezzin’s soulful delivery emphasizes the foundations of Islamic theology while also serving as a soothing lullaby that bears witness to divine love, mercy, and presence in the lives of all believers.

The Origin and History of Athan

Athan began in Madinah during the first year of the Hijrah. The origins of this essential component of Islamic theology vary according to sect.

According to the Imams, Gabriel (Jibreel) A.S received the Adhan directly from Allah SWT and delivered it to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Sunnis believe that Abd Allah ibn Zayd R.A. had a dream in which he was taught by an unknown figure, and that when he told Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) about it, it was approved.

The importance of Athan is viewed differently by different schools of thought within Sunni Islamic law. It is highly recommended by Hanafis, Shafi’is, and Imamis, while Hanbalis regard it as an obligatory responsibility for non-traveling men in towns and villages.

Malikis elevate its significance even further by declaring it wajib kifa’i (communal obligation) in towns where Friday prayers are held. However, both of these schools of thought exempt certain situations, such as funerals and supererogatory prayers, from the Adhan.

Source: Adhan (Prayer Call) | The Five Schools of Islamic Law | Al-Islam.org

The Form and Structure of Athan

The Athan is a set of words and phrases recited in a specific order to announce the call to prayer.

The Words of the Athan and their Translation

The words of Athan are significant in the Islamic faith. Here are the Athan’s words and their translation:

• “Allah u Akbar” – Allah SWT is the greatest. This is repeated four times.
• “Ashadu an la ilaha illa Allah” – I bear witness that there is no God except Allah SWT. This is repeated two times.
• “Ashadu anna Muhammadan rasul Allah” – I bear witness that Muhammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of Allah SWT. This is repeated two times.
• “Hayya ‘ala s-salah” – Come to prayer. This is repeated two times.
• “Hayya ‘ala l-falah” – Come to success. This is repeated two times.
• “As-salatu khayru min an-nawm” – Prayer is better than sleep (only recited during Fajr Athan).
• “Allah u Akbar” – Allah SWT is the greatest. This is repeated two times.
• “La ilaha illa Allah” – There is no God worthy of worship except Allah SWT.

Reference  Sunan Abi Dawud 499

The Rituals Involved in the Athan

Several rituals are performed during the Athan, including the role of the Muezzin, preparing to call the Athan, calling the Athan itself, and reciting a Du’a and the Iqama.

The Role of the Muezzin (Mu’adhdhin)

The Mu’adhdhin’s role is critical in the Athan. The term ” Mu’adhdhin (Muezzin)” refers to a person in charge of making announcements and summoning Muslims to prayers.

They play an important role in mosques worldwide by reciting the specific Athan phrases from a minaret or any elevated platform.

According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Muhammad PBUH instituted this practice to gather believers for worship and remind them of their religious responsibilities.

The Mu’adhdhin’s voice echoes with powerful words like “Allahu Akbar” (God is great) and “Hayya ala s-salah” (Hasten to prayer), instilling spiritual discipline and community unity.

Preparing to Call the Athan

The Mu’adhdhin goes through a process of preparation before calling the Athan to ensure that the call is performed correctly and with the utmost reverence. The following are the steps in preparing to call the Athan:

• Wudu (Ritual Washing): Wudu is a ritual ablution that involves washing specific body parts, such as hands, face, and feet. This purification process is required before performing any religious duties.
• The Mu’adhdhin takes a moment to mentally and spiritually prepare for the responsibility of summoning the Athan. They may make silent supplications or recite Qur’anic verses to seek Allah SWT’s guidance and blessings.
• Physical Preparation: To ensure a presentable physical appearance, the Mu’adhdhin may groom themselves by combing their hair, wearing clean clothes, and maintaining proper hygiene. This physical preparation demonstrates their regard for this prestigious duty.
• Memorization: The Mu’adhdhin ensures that they have correctly memorized the specific phrases and recitations of Athan. They can go over or rehearse these words ahead of time to avoid making mistakes during their call.
• Quiet Reflection: Before proceeding to the designated location for calling the Athan, the Mu’adhdhin will usually spend some time in quiet reflection or prayer to center themselves spiritually and mentally.
• Gathering Information: If necessary, particularly in modern times when accurate prayer times may necessitate checking prayertimes.org or other reliable sources, the Mu’adhdhin confirms the exact time for each prayer session so that it can be announced accurately during the Athan.

Calling the Athan

This is how Athan is done:

• The Mu’adhdhin climbs up to the minaret of the mosque.
• Standing facing the Qibla, the Mu’adhdhin raises his hands to his ears as a sign of readiness.
• He starts by saying “Allah u Akbar” (Allah SWT is the greatest) as a proclamation of God’s greatness.
• Then, he recites “Ashadu an la ilaha illa Allah” (I bear witness that there is no God but Allah SWT), affirming the oneness of God.
• Next, he says “Ashadu anna Muhammadan rasul Allah” (I bear witness that Muhammad PBUH is the messenger of Allah SWT), acknowledging Prophet Muhammad’s role in delivering God’s message.
• After that, he recites “Hayya ala s-salah” (Come to prayer) and “Hayya ala l-falah” (Come to success), inviting people to gather for congregational prayer.
• Following this, he says “As-salatu khayru min an-nawm” only in Fajr prayer (Prayer is better than sleep), urging people to prioritize prayer over worldly desires.
• Lastly, he repeats “La ilaha illa Allah” (There is no deity but Allah SWT), emphasizing monotheism and devotion to God.

It is a sunnah of Bilal R.A. to move the head to the right and left when saying “Hayya ala s-salah”  and “Hayya ala l-falah.”

Iqama

The Iqama is structured and worded similarly to the Athan, but it is recited in a softer voice immediately before the prayer begins. It is a final call to remind people that it is time to stand in line for prayer.

In Iqama, after saying Hayya’alal-Falah, we say Qad Qamatis-Salat (Salat is ready) twice. In addition, we do not say “As-salatu khayru min an-nawm” in Iqamah for Fajr prayer.

Unlike the Athan, which is broadcast from minarets via loudspeakers, the Iqama is usually recited inside or near the mosque, ensuring that everyone inside can hear it clearly.

What You Should Do During and After Athan:

Repeating the Adhan as a reply:

Prophet Muhammad PBUH said that:

‏إذا سمعتم النداء، فقولوا كما يقول المؤذن‏”‏

 “When you hear the Mu’adhdhin (pronouncing the call to Salat), repeat after him what he says.”

 Riyad as-Salihin 1038

We learn from Hadith that we should repeat what the muazzin says, but instead of saying “Hayya ala s-salah” and “Hayya ala l-falah,” we should say “la howla wa la quwwata illa billah.”

The Prophet of Allah PBUH said at the end of the Hadith that whoever does this will enter paradise.

The Dua that Prophet Muhammad PBUH taught us to say after Athan:

“‏ مَنْ قَالَ حِينَ يَسْمَعُ النِّدَاءَ اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ هَذِهِ الدَّعْوَةِ التَّامَّةِ وَالصَّلاَةِ الْقَائِمَةِ، آتِ مُحَمَّدًا الْوَسِيلَةَ وَالْفَضِيلَةَ، وَابْعَثْهُ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا الَّذِي وَعَدْتَهُ، حَلَّتْ لَهُ شَفَاعَتِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ ‏”

“Whoever, after listening to the Adhan (for the prayer) says, ‘O Allah, the Lord of this complete call and of this prayer, which is going to be established! Give Muhammad Al-Wasila and Al-Fadila and raise him to Al-Maqam-al-Mahmud, which You have promised him,’ will be granted my intercession for him on the Day of Resurrection.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 4719

It takes very little time to recite this Du’a, but the reward is enormous!

The Conditions for Valid Athan

Certain conditions must be met for the Athan to be valid in Islamic practice:

The Mu’adhdhin must be a sane, adult Muslim who understands the Athan’s requirements and rules.

Before calling the Athan, the Mu’adhdhin must perform ablution (wudu), ensuring they are ritually pure.

The Athan should be summoned from a high point, preferably a minaret or other elevated position.

When calling the Athan, the Mu’adhdhin should face the Qibla (the direction of Mecca).

The Athan’s words must be pronounced correctly and clearly in Arabic; any incorrect pronunciation or alteration will render the Athan invalid.

The Athan should be performed at the time of one of the five daily prayers: Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghreb (sunset), and Isha (night).

The Mu’adhdhin should recite the Athan with appropriate pauses and intonation, allowing for contemplation and reflection on its meaning.

The Impact of Athan in the Community

The Athan fosters unity and a sense of belonging in the Muslim community.

The Significance of Athan in Fostering Unity

With the proclamation of “Allahu Akbar” (God is great) echoing from minarets, the Athan is essential in promoting Muslim unity, reminding Muslims that they are part of a global community bonded by their faith in something greater than themselves.

This communal call to prayer brings Muslims together five times a day, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or social status, and fosters a sense of belonging while reinforcing shared values and beliefs.

Furthermore, the Athan invites Muslims to gather at the mosque for congregational prayers, fostering social connections and allowing individuals to interact with fellow worshippers across superficial barriers such as race or social class.

As a result, it fosters harmony and strengthens ties within the Muslim community.

Furthermore, the Athan’s historical role in Islamic societies includes its function as a citywide or village-wide announcement, and its universal nature fosters a collective identity among Muslims while also increasing the visibility of Islam within local communities.

The Athan in Different Cultural Contexts

In many cultural contexts, the Athan is an essential part of the Islamic faith, acting as a unifying force that brings Muslims together in worship and devotion.

However, it is important to note that there may be minor differences in how the Athan is practiced and perceived in different communities.

In some cultures, the Athan may be accompanied by unique local traditions or customs that add their own flavor to this sacred ritual, such as specific melodies associated with the Athan’s recitation.

5 Different Adhan Melodies during Ottoman Times by Imam Recep Uyar

These cultural nuances demonstrate Islam’s ability to adapt and assimilate into various societies while retaining its core values.

Furthermore, how mosques are designed and built can influence how the Athan resonates within a specific cultural context; mosque architectural styles vary across countries and regions, reflecting local aesthetics and design principles.

This diversity not only beautifies these places of worship, but also helps to foster an inclusive environment in which Muslims of all backgrounds feel welcome.

The Advancement of Athan Practice

With the advancement of Athan practice, technology such as mobile applications and digital adhan clocks have been integrated, making it easier for Muslim communities to adhere to prayer times.

Use of Technology in Athan

Technology advancements and innovations have positively impacted Athan’s practice: it can now reach a larger audience, amplifying its impact within the community, thanks to loudspeakers and other audio devices.

Technological advancements have enabled clearer and more potent calls to prayer, fostering unity among Muslims and deepening their connection with Allah SWT; mosques can now reach a wider audience, ensuring that even those who live far away can hear and participate in the call to worship.

The use of technology in Athan demonstrates how tradition and modernity coexist to improve spiritual experiences for Muslims worldwide.

Misconception and Clarification About Athan

Misconceptions about the Athan are common in non-Muslim communities. One common misconception is that the Athan is used to forcefully convert people to Islam, which is not the case.

The Athan’s purpose is simply to announce the time for Muslims to perform their daily prayers, with no coercion or proselytization.

Conclusion

The Muslim call to prayer, Athan, is crucial in Islam because it serves as a spiritual reminder for Muslims to gather and worship Allah SWT.

The rituals involved in the Athan are deeply rooted in tradition and help to create a sense of unity within the community. As technology and legal considerations have advanced, the practice of Athan has evolved over time while still retaining its core essence.

Overall, the Athan remains a potent symbol of devotion and connection for Muslims worldwide.

FAQs

1. What is the Muslim call to prayer (Athan)?

The Muslim call to prayer, also known as Athan, is a melodious chant recited by a muezzin from the minaret of a mosque or via broadcast systems, and it serves as an invitation for Muslims to gather for communal prayers.

2. When does the Muslim call to prayer take place?

Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night) are the five times a day when Muslims are called to prayer.

3. What are the words recited in the Athan?

The Athan begins with “Allahu Akbar” (“Allah SWT is greatest”) and continues with phrases like “Ashhadu a la ilaha illa Allah” (“I bear witness there is no God but Allah SWT”) and other declarations of faith and praise for God.

4. Is it necessary for all Muslims to respond to the Athan?

While responding to the Athan is not required, it is recommended that Muslims pause their activities and engage in individual supplications or mentally and spiritually prepare themselves before participating in congregational prayers at mosques or praying individually at home.