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One of the most important aspects of Islam is the Adhaan, or the Islamic call to prayer. Even though most non-Muslims may not know what the words mean, they almost certainly would recognize the sound. Wherever one is in the world, the Adhaan is a sign of the presence of Islam and Muslims.

In addition to the Islamic prayer, the call to prayer is one of the most distinguishable aspects of Muslim culture. But what is the history behind the Adhaan? Did it begin with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or was it introduced by one of the earlier Prophets of Allah?

The Beginnings of the Adhaan

There are some who say the Islamic call to prayer actually has its origins with Prophet Ibrahim. This assertion is based on the following verses from the Quran:

 “Ascribe nothing as partner to me and purify My House for those who make the Tawwaf and thsoe who stand and those who bow and make prostration. And proclaim (Adh-dhin) unto mankind the pilgrimage. They will come unto thee on foot and on every lean camel and they will come from every deep ravine. Chapter 22 Verses 26-27.

Even though these verses include the same root word as the Adhaan, there is no connection to the call to prayer that was established by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The Azaan really began during the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the city of Medina. Hence, the first call was not made at the Kaaba and is not connected to the Hajj.

The origins of the Islamic call to prayer are detailed in the following hadith:

Narrated Ibn Umar:

When the Muslims arrived at Medina, they used to assemble for the prayer, and used to guess the time for it. During those days, the practice of Adhaan for the prayers had not been introduced yet. Once they discussed this problem regarding the call for prayer. Some people suggested the use of a bell like the Christians. Others proposed a trumpet like the horn used by the Jews. But Umar was the first to suggest that a man should call the people for the prayer; so Allah’s messenger ordered Bilal to get up and pronounce the Adhaan for prayers.Bukhari Book 1 Hadith 578

Narrated Abu UmayribnAnas:

AbuUmayr reported on the authority of his uncle who was from the Ansar (the helpers of the Prophet): The Prophet (peace be upon him) was anxious as to how to gather the people for prayer.

The people told him: Hoist a flag at the time of prayer; when they see it, they will inform one another. But he (the Prophet) did not like it. Then someone mentioned to him the horn.

Ziyad said: A horn of the Jews. He (the Prophet) did not like it. He said: This is the matter of the Jews. Then they mentioned to him the bell of the Christians. He said: This is the matter of the Christians. Abdullah ibn Zayd returned anxiously from there because of the anxiety of the Apostle (peace be upon him). He was then taught the call to prayer in his dream. Next day he came to the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) and informed him about it.

He said: Apostle of Allah, I was between sleep and wakefulness; all of a sudden a newcomer came. "What was the dream you saw?" Rasulullah asked Abdullah ibn Zayd.
He answered, "I have seen that a man wearing green garments taught me the words of the Adhaan and advised me to call people to prayer with these words." He then recited the words for the Adhaan.
The words were beautiful and full of meaning. Rasulullah recognized that the dream of Abdullah was true. He asked 'Abdullah to teach the words of the Adhaan to Bilal.

Then the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Bilal, stand up, see what Abdullah ibn Zayd tells you (to do), then do it. Bilal then called them to prayer.

From this hadith we can see how the practice began. When the Muhajireen (immigrants) from Mecca arrived, they and the Ansar (helpers) in Medina had a difficult time knowing when it was time for prayer. One can see how difficult it would be back then to pray in congregation without some way to let everyone know it was time to pray.

Some suggested using a flag, but Prophet Muhammad did not want to use a flag.

Some Muslims suggested using a bell like the Christians use in their churches. But Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) not wanting to imitate the People of the Book, rejected that idea.

Others suggested something like a horn or trumpet like the Jews. But our Prophet did not like that idea either.

Finally, one of the Ansars named Abu Abdullah, told Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) about a dream he had in which the Adhaan was called. He liked that idea and instructed Bilal to make the call.

We actually do not hear so much about Abdullah ibn Zayd,however Allah gave him His honour and inspired him the prayer calling in his dream. We ever wonder why not Allah give this dream to His prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)and the job is settled? It is because Allah gave His divine aspirations for those who worked out for it and He send this blessings to Abdullah ibn Zayd.

When Prophet Muhammad had announced to all the Muslims to find the way how to make the prayer calling, Abdullah ibn Zayd went back to his home and all the night he could not sleep because he was thinking so hardly to find the right way to make this adhaan. Being tired in thinking those ways, he then fall asleep when Allah gave him this inspiration in his dream. Allah gave him the most wonderful gift to him because of his sincere hard work and the calling of adhaan can be heard uptill now in the whole world. May God bless him always.

How Make The Islamic Call To Prayer

There are several ways to call the Adhaan. So long as these different methods were approved by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), then it is permissible to use today also.

According to the Abu Hanifah and Ahmad Ibn Hanbal Schools of Thought the Adhaan is as follows:

• Allahu Akbar (four times aloud)
• Ash-hadu an laaillaahaillallah (twice aloud)
• Ash-haduannaMuhammadanrasuloolullah (twice aloud)
• HayyahalaSalaah (twice aloud)
• HayyahalaFalah (twice aloud)
• Allahu Akbar (twice aloud)
• Laaillaahaillallah (once aloud)

The Malik School of Thought prescribes:

• Allahu Akbar (twice aloud)
• Ash-hadu an laaillaahaillallah (twice quietly)
• Ash-haduannaMuhammadanrasuloollah (twice quietly)
• Ash-hadu an laaillaahaillallah (twice aloud)
• Ash-haduannaMuhammadanrasuloolullah (twice aloud)
• HayyahalaSalaah (twice aloud)
• HayyahalaFalah (twice aloud)
• Allahu Akbar (twice aloud)
• Laaillaahaillallah (once aloud)

The Shafi’i School of Thought prescribes the following method:

• Allahu Akbar (four times aloud)
• Ash-hadu an laaillaahaillallah (twice quietly)
• Ash-haduannaMuhammadanrasuloollah (twice quietly)
• Ash-hadu an laaillaahaillallah (twice aloud)
• Ash-haduannaMuhammadanrasuloolullah (twice aloud)
• HayyahalaSalaah (twice aloud)
• HayyahalaFalah (twice aloud)
• Allahu Akbar (twice aloud)
• Laaillaahaillallah (once aloud)

All of these methods of making the Islamic call to prayer are valid. It should be noted that when calling the Adhaan for Salaatul Fajr (the dawn prayer) the phrase:

As-Salaatu khayrun min al-Nawm [prayer is better than sleep]

is added after the second Hayya alal Falah.

What To Do When You Hear The Adhaan

The first thing you should do when you hear the call to prayer is prepare to perform Salaah.

You should also recite the lines of the Adhaan after the muezzin (caller to prayer, or one who calls the Adhaan). When you repeat the lines, it should be done quietly and not loud enough to disturb others nearby.

After the Islamic call to prayer is complete you should also quietly say the following dua (prayer):

Allahummasallialasayyidina Muhammad wa all aalihiwasahbihiajma’een (Oh Allah! Send Blessings on our Master Muhammad an on all of his family and on all of his companions.)