What is the origin of Adhan?

Adhan (الأذان) derives from the Arabic root A-DH-N (أ-ذ-ن), meaning "to announce," "to declare," or "to permit." The same root produces adhin (ear), iʿlān (announcement), idhn (permission), and udhun (hearing/listening). The Adhan is thus the public announcement that calls Muslims to prayer — both an act of declaration and an invitation. Linguistically, it makes prayer time "permitted" or known to all hearers. The first Adhan in Islamic history was given by Bilal ibn Rabah (RA), an Abyssinian companion freed from slavery, whose powerful voice and sincerity made him the chosen muezzin of the Prophet ﷺ.

Adhan (الأذان) — Meaning, Definition & Origin

The Islamic call to prayer announced from the mosque before each of the five daily prayers, proclaiming faith and inviting Muslims to worship.

What is Adhan?

Adhan is the Islamic call to prayer, announced loudly from the mosque before each of the five daily prayers (and before Jumu'ah). It consists of specific Arabic phrases proclaiming the oneness of Allah, the prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ, and inviting Muslims to come to prayer. The Adhan is a public symbol of Islam — wherever it is heard, that locale is considered an Islamic community.

The Words of Adhan

The standard Adhan consists of these phrases:

Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) — 4 times
Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah (I testify there is no god but Allah) — 2 times
Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah (I testify Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah) — 2 times
Hayya ʿala as-salah (Come to prayer) — 2 times
Hayya ʿala al-falah (Come to success) — 2 times
Allahu Akbar — 2 times
La ilaha illa Allah — 1 time

For Fajr only, after "Hayya ʿala al-falah" the muezzin adds: "As-salatu khayrun min an-nawm" (Prayer is better than sleep) — twice. This is called the Tathwib.

Origin of the Adhan

The Adhan was established in Medina shortly after the Hijrah. The Prophet ﷺ consulted his companions on how to call people to prayer. Some suggested bells (used by Christians), some suggested a horn (used by Jews), and others fire (used by Zoroastrians). Then Abdullah ibn Zayd (RA) saw a dream in which a man taught him the words of Adhan. The Prophet ﷺ said: "It is a true vision, in shaa Allah. Stand with Bilal and let him give the Adhan, for he has a more resonant voice than you." (Abu Dawud 499)

Adhan in the Quran

The Quran indirectly references Adhan in several places:

"And when you call to prayer, they take it in mockery and as amusement..." (5:58) — confirms Adhan was a recognized practice.
"O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah, then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave commerce." (62:9) — specifically commands response to Adhan.

Iqamah — Second Call

Just before the congregational prayer begins, the muezzin calls the Iqamah. It uses the same phrases as Adhan but recited once each (except the opening and closing takbirs), with the additional line "Qad qamati as-salah" (Prayer has been established) repeated twice. The Iqamah signals worshippers to stand and align in rows.

What to Say When Hearing Adhan

The Prophet ﷺ instructed: "When you hear the muezzin, repeat what he says, then send blessings upon me, for whoever sends blessings upon me, Allah will send ten blessings upon him. Then ask Allah to grant me the means (al-wasilah), for it is a station in Paradise that fits only one of Allah's servants, and I hope to be that one. Whoever asks Allah to grant me the means, my intercession will be permitted for him." (Muslim 384)

However, for "Hayya ʿala as-salah" and "Hayya ʿala al-falah", the listener replies: "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" (There is no power nor strength except with Allah). (Bukhari 613)

Du'a After Adhan

The Prophet ﷺ taught a specific du'a to recite after the Adhan: "Allahumma rabba hadhihi ad-da'wati at-tammah, wa as-salati al-qa'imah, ati Muhammadan al-wasilata wa al-fadilah, wa-b'athhu maqaman mahmudan alladhi waʿadtah." Translation: "O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and established prayer, grant Muhammad the means and excellence, and raise him to the praised station which You have promised him." Whoever recites this is promised the Prophet's ﷺ intercession on Judgment Day (Bukhari 614).

Adhan in the Hadith

"If people knew the reward of giving the Adhan and standing in the first row, they would draw lots for it." (Bukhari 615)
"When the Adhan is given, Satan turns and flees passing wind so that he doesn't hear the call." (Bukhari 608)
"Three groups will be on hills of musk on the Day of Resurrection: a slave who fulfills his duty to Allah and his master, a man who leads people in prayer and they are pleased with him, and a man who calls to prayer five times a day." (Tirmidhi 1986)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can give the Adhan?

Any sane, Muslim male of mature age. Scholars prefer those with strong, clear voices. Women are not encouraged to give public Adhan, though they may call to prayer for women-only gatherings according to some scholars.

Is Adhan obligatory or recommended?

For congregational obligatory prayers, Adhan is a strongly emphasized communal Sunnah (Sunnah Mu'akkadah Kifa'iyyah) — meaning the community at large must maintain it. Individual prayers do not require it.

Can Adhan be in a language other than Arabic?

No. Adhan must be in Arabic because the Prophet ﷺ taught specific Arabic phrases and the entire Muslim ummah has maintained this for 1,400+ years. Translating would lose the unity and recognizability of this universal call.

Adhan