Adhan is the Islamic call to prayer. It is a significant part of the everyday lives of Muslims around the world. It serves as a reminder and is a sacred invitation to connect with Allah through prayer, 5 times a day. This article delves into the rich meaning of Adhan, exploring its spiritual essence as supported by Quranic verses and Hadith.
Here’s a list of things that we’ll discuss today:
The origin of Adhan can be traced back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who appointed Bilal Ibn Rabah (may Allah be pleased with him) as the first Mu’adhdhin (caller to prayer). The following Hadith indicates how the concept of Adhaan evolved.
Meaning of Adhan
The Arabic word Adhan means to listen, to hear or be informed about. Hence in the light of the Islamic faith, it is described as the call to prayer. Azan consists of a specific set of phrases that are recited, calling upon the believers to come together for congregational prayer. Azan is an integral part of the Islamic faith and the following translation emphasizes it.
Allahu Akbar – Allah is the Greatest
Saying “Allah is the Greatest” testifies to the Ultimate Power of the Creator. It is testifying that Allah is the creator of the entire universe and controls the world and heavens.
Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah – I bear witness that there is no god except the One God-Allah.
This testimony fulfills the primary requisite of being Muslim i.e. there is no one like the Almighty Allah. Supremacy belongs to Him alone.
Ashadu anna Muhammadan Rasool Allah – I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.
Here we are bearing witness to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) being the messenger of Allah. This is also a vital component of the Islamic belief that Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) is the last messenger of Allah.
Hayya ‘ala-s-Salah – Hurry to the prayer (Rise up for prayer)
Hayya ‘ala-l-Falah – Hurry to success (Rise up for Salvation)
The above two phrases assure the Muslims that Salah is the key to success in the world and Hereafter.
Assalatu khairum-minan-naum – Prayer is better than sleep (This part is only recited for morning/fajr prayers.)
This encourages the Muslim to leave his/her sleep and turn to Allah for prayers as it has greater blessings in the world and the Hereafter.
Allahu Akbar – God is Great
La ilaha illa Allah – There is no god except the One God
Here, in the end, Allah’s Greatness is repeated by testifying that there is no one else praiseworthy as Allah Almighty.
*(The first phrase is said four times and the rest twice.)
Quranic Verses Emphasizing the Significance of Adhan
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, emphasizes the importance of Adhaan and its role in uniting the Muslim community.
Prioritize Allah and Leave Trade
The following verse of Surah Al-Jumu’ah highlights the obligation to respond to the Azan, leaving aside worldly affairs to engage in the remembrance of Allah.
If you face trouble with praying on time, I highly recommend that you go through our post on How to Concentrate on Salah.
Believe in the Unseen
The following verse connects the belief in the unseen (faith in Allah) with the establishment of prayer, which is initiated by the Adhan. It stresses the pivotal role of the call to prayer in strengthening one’s connection with the Almighty Allah.
Ahadith Highlighting the Blessings of Adhan
Many gems of wisdom by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) highlight the blessings and importance of Adhan.
Great Rank of Mu’adhdhin
There is a great rank of Mu’adhdhin (the one who invites Namaz) in Islam. Everyone who hears the Mu’adhdhin saying Adhan will testify in his favour on the day of Judgement, as evident by the following Hadith:
It Drives Away Satan
The following Hadith tells how Satan cannot even bear hearing the Adhan. Hence, even merely listening to the Adhan has virtues as it contains the message about righteousness and drives away Satan. Here is a detailed post on the Islamic Quotes on Shaitan (Satan/Devil).
The virtue of Repeating After the Mu’adhdhin
This Hadith tells about the benefit of repeating the Adhan after it’s announced. Not only it promises Allah’s blessings but also the support of Rasulullah ﷺ in the hereafter (If Allah Wills).
Glad Tidings for the Mu’adhdhin
The following Hadith holds good news for the Mu’adhdhin (one who recites Adhaan). We should teach our children Adhaan and encourage our children to say Adhaan no matter how busy their schedule is.
Etiquettes of Adhan in the Light of Hadith
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) also guided us about the dos and don’ts of Adhan and various other etiquettes of Salah.
Pray at Your Homes on Rainy and Cold Nights
This Hadith states that Islam is a religion of moderation and ease. On rainy and cold nights Muslims are advised to pray at home and it’s permissible if they don’t come to the mosque on the call of Adhan.
The Oldest Amongst the Two Should Lead the Prayer
Even when two men are travelling, Adhan should be carried on and the oldest should lead the prayer. The following Hadith settles the matter when two men came to for a query.
Do Not Make Haste
The following Hadith tells us the etiquette of proceeding with the Iqama. The missed prayer is to be compensated after the Salaam has been said by the Mu’adhdhin in a composed manner.
Through these divine sources as discussed here, we gain a deeper understanding of the importance and purpose behind the Adhan. It undoubtedly serves as a powerful reminder of our faith and the unity of the Muslim community.
Meaning of Azan in Urdu
Summing Up
Adhan, as supported by Quranic verses and Hadith, holds a deep spiritual meaning for Muslims worldwide. It serves as a sacred invitation to connect with Allah, reminding believers to put aside worldly affairs and focus on the remembrance of the Divine.
The Quranic verses highlight the obligation and unity that comes with responding to the call to prayer, while the Hadith underlines the blessings and rewards for the Mu’adhdhin and the spiritual impact of the Adhaan on the environment. It stands as a powerful symbol of the Islamic faith, bringing together communities and fostering a sense of devotion and connection with the Divine.
FAQs
What does the word Adhan mean?
The Arabic word Adhan means to listen, to hear or be informed about. It is the Islamic call to prayer in a mosque. The announcement is made publically by a Mu’adhdhin 5 times a day.
What are the words for adhan?
The first phrase is said four times and the rest twice.
Allahu Akbar – God is Great
Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah – I bear witness that there is no god except the One God.
Ashadu anna Muhammadan Rasool Allah – I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God
Hayya ‘ala-s-Salah – Hurry to the prayer (Rise up for prayer)
Hayya ‘ala-l-Falah – Hurry to success (Rise up for Salvation)
Assalatu khairum-minan-naum – Prayer is better than sleep (This part is only recited for morning prayers.)
Allahu Akbar – God is Great
La ilaha illa Allah – There is no god except the One God
What is the virtue of calling adhan?
The Caller of Salah or Mu’adhdhin will benefit from the significant bounties on the Day of Judgement. All those who heard him saying Adhan will testify in his favour on that day. Another Hadith states that Satan can not bear to hear the sound of Adhaan and goes away.
What are the benefits the Caller of Adhan will receive?
Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The Mu’adhdhin will receive forgiveness to the extent to which his voice reaches, and every moist and dry place will testify on his behalf”
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