The Call to Prayer in Islam – Adhan History & Significance

In the Islamic faith, nothing is as powerful and beautiful as adhan, or a call to prayer. It is not just heard five times a day in mosques throughout the world, summoning Muslims for their obligatory prayers, but also serving as a reminder that we are all connected through our shared spiritual beliefs. Through this simple melody, one can instantly feel the peace and calm of connecting with Allah SWT—an experience unique to each individual.

No matter where you live or what your practices may entail, the adhan is both comforting and compelling if recited properly; its power comes alive with emotion during every chant. So, in this blog post let’s take a closer look at why Adhan is so special – from how it was initially designated to us by Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him, and explore how to recite Adhan effectively!

Adhan Meaning

Adhan; sometimes pronounced adhane, adzan or adthan in different regional languages; is a call to prayer for Muslims. It is broadcast five times a day from mosques, summoning worshippers for their obligatory daily prayers. It also serves as a general announcement of prayer times within the Muslim community. This invitation is delivered by Muezzin, a person responsible for reciting the adhan from the mosque tower from which call to prayer is heard also called Muezzin’s tower.

Significance of Adhan in Islam

The call of the muezzin has been a hallmark of Islamic culture for centuries. This unique calling for prayer marks the invitation of the five obligatory prayers for Muslims around the world. It’s a fascinating tradition that has been passed down from one generation to the next, with each muezzin adding his distinct touch to the pronunciation of the call.

The sound of the muezzin’s call, echoing through the streets, is a reminder of the unity and devotion of the Muslim community. It is a call for Muslims to hasten to the prayer. Indeed, the call of the muezzin is not just a beautiful sound, but a powerful symbol of faith that unites Muslims across the world.

History of Adhan

According to the Hadiths, the ritual started after Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and his companions migrated to Medina. They took the initiative to build the first-ever mosque in Islamic history to conduct daily congregational prayers safely and in compliance with Islamic astronomical protocols.

However, they faced a crucial question: How could they gather people for prayer, and what kind of signal should be used to announce the prayer calls?

Traditionally, different religious communities used various methods such as ringing bells, blowing horns, or lighting fires to assemble people for worship.

One of Prophet Muhammad’s companions, Abdullah bin Zaid, approached Him with a dream he had. In the dream, he saw a man, proposing to recite a specific call to pray.

Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, also mentioned that he had seen a similar dream. Intrigued by this revelation, shared his dream where he was advised, through an angel, to use the human voice as the most effective signal for prayer. Umar recited what would later become known as the Adhan, the official call to prayer in Islam.

Consequently, Prophet Muhammad ordered Bilal, a former slave, to recite Adhan, the same world revealed in the dreams Abdullah bin Zaid and Umar bin Khattab (May Allah be Pleased with them).

Imam Ghazali remarked that approximately ten companions witnessed this dream regarding the prayer call.

History of Muezzin

Based on the hadith, Prophet Muhammad eagerly listened to the resonant adhan recited by Abdullah bin Zaid and Umar bin Khattab. In that moment, Prophet promptly instructed Bilal, to learn and recite the words of the adhan.

Bilal’s extraordinary vocal prowess and harmonious voice were widely recognized in the community, thus leading him to earn the esteemed title of the first muezzin in Islamic history.

Adhan Lyrics

For Muslims around the world, the adhan is a powerful reminder of the power and beauty of Islam. This melodic call to prayer is traditionally recited from the towers from which muezzins announce calls to prayer five times a day. It serves as a way for worshipers to remember and connect with Allah.

The adhan is inherently beautiful, but it becomes even more so when you consider its profound meaning. Luckily, for those who do not speak Arabic, there is a wealth of resources available to learn the adhan with English translation and adhan pronunciation. With this knowledge, anyone can appreciate and understand the power of this moving Islamic tradition.

There are six sentences in the Adhan. Translation of these sentences are as follows:

Difference between Adhan and Iqama

The adhan and iqamah are both integral parts of the Islamic prayer ritual, but there are differences between the two. The adhan is the call to prayer, which is broadcast from a mosque to signal the start of each of the five daily prayers. Its purpose is to gather the faithful to worship and observe one of the most important pillars of Islam.

On the other hand, the iqama is a secondary call to prayer that is issued just before the actual prayer commences. It serves as a reminder to the worshippers that the prayer is about to begin and that they should prepare themselves. In iqama one sentence is added: which is “Qadd Qaamat issalah”

Overall, the adhan and iqama are two crucial components of the Islamic prayer ritual, with each playing a distinct role in summoning and preparing the faithful for prayer.

Modes (Maqamat) in Adhan

Maqamat are the beautiful and intricate musical modes of Arabian, Middle Eastern and North African melodies that have been passed down for centuries. Adhan Maqamat, specifically, are modes of melodies that is used to recite the Islamic call to prayer. It is a powerful and moving sound that invokes feelings of spirituality and devotion.

The popular maqamat include maqam hijaz, which is commonly used in Arabic folk, maqam nahawand, which is known for its mournful and emotional quality, maqam saba, which is a lively and upbeat maqam, and maqam bayati, which features a steady and consistent rhythm.

Each maqam has its own unique character and can evoke a range of emotions in the listener. The beauty and complexity of these musical modes are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region and are a valuable contribution to the world of music.

Listen the Adhan in 8 Maqamat by Shaykh Ibrahim Bakeer

Physical Gesture during Adhan

The physical gesture during Adhan is an integral part of the Islamic call to prayer. As the muezzin calls out the Adhan, he stands facing the qiblah, the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, with his hands raised to his ears. This gesture symbolizes his readiness to communicate the message of the Adhan to all those within earshot.

Moreover, the towers from which muezzins announce the Adhan is known as minarets. This minar of mosque also holds a symbolic effect on the dignity of Islam. Indeed, the Adhan is not just an announcement of prayer times, but a reminder of the essence of life and the importance of spiritual connection.

Etiquettes while Listening to the Call to Prayer

As Muslims, we are blessed to have the Adhan as a reminder of the time for prayer. While the Adhan is being recited, it’s crucial to show proper etiquette and respect. We should listen attentively to the words of the muezzin and refrain from any unnecessary talking or actions. It’s also recommended to pause whatever you’re doing and focus on the moment, expressing gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to hear the call to prayer. When listening to the Adhan, we should feel a sense of humbleness and awe towards the power of Allah’s message.

According to the Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has taught Muslims the etiquettes of listening to this call to prayer. Some of these etiquettes include facing the Qiblah, lowering one’s voice, responding to the muezzin, and avoiding speaking or turning away during the Adhan. Consequently, let’s all endeavor to listen to the Adhan in Hadith with utmost reverence, and may Allah accept our prayers and supplications.

Reply to the Adhan

The hadith states that Jannah (paradise) is guaranteed for those who reply to the Adhan, the Islamic call to prayer. But this isn’t just about earning rewards, it’s also about community. When we reply to the Adhan, we’re connecting with Muslims all over the world who are also performing this sacred act.

Dua after the Adhan

What to say after the adhan, is very important. After hearing the beautiful call to prayer, it is a prophetic blessed way to recite the dua after adhan. Not only is this dua a recommended sunnah, but it’s also an excellent way to seek the blessings of Allah and show gratitude for being a Muslim.

This dua is known as the “Dua of Azan,” and it’s a powerful supplication that reminds us of the greatness of our Lord and how fortunate we are to be part of the ummah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). So, next time you hear the Adhan, take a moment to recite after Adhan dua and feel the peace and tranquility it brings to your soul.

Adhan Dua

Reward for Muezzin

There are many hadith rewarding muezzins a big reward for sake of prayer calls. According to one saying of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), on the Day of Resurrection, the muezzins will have the longest necks among the people. This serves as a valuable reminder, highlighting the significance of the role of muezzin and the recognition they will receive.

Reciting a Call to Prayer for Newborn

Reciting the Adhan for newborn is a beautiful sunnah (blessed way) that is followed by many Muslim families. It involves whispering the Adhan in baby’s ears, immediately after his birth. The soothing whispers not only provide comfort to the little one but also serves as their first introduction to the religion.

The adhan in the ear of newborn also holds a significant spiritual and cultural importance, as it acts as a symbol of faith and a reminder to the child’s parents that they have an important responsibility to raise their child in accordance with Islamic beliefs and values. This cherished tradition has been passed on from generation to generation and continues to be an act of devotion and love for Muslim families around the world.

Conclusion

The power and beauty of the adhan have moved people through many generations, connecting Muslim people spiritually. It is a reminder of the many blessings that we have and serves as the voice of faith around the world. Reflecting on the words of the adhan serves to comfort us in times of distress and bring back our joy in times of sorrow.

Taking care to learn and practice how to give adhan helps to ensure that it is shared correctly with those around us, so that they can benefit from its message as much as we have. Once we learn to properly recite azan, we should take it upon ourselves to spread this message by performing prayer calls whenever possible. We may even take it another step further by joining our fellow believers wherever possible for congregational prayers – an exchange of collective positivity made all possible by the beautiful power of the adhan!