Adhan

{{transliteration|ar|Adhān}}, Arabic for 'announcement', from the root {{transliteration|ar|adhina}}, meaning 'to listen, to hear, be informed about', is variously transliterated in different cultures.

It is commonly written as athan, or adhane (in French), azan in Iran and parts of South Asia (in Persian, Dari, Pashto, Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, and Punjabi), adzan in Southeast Asia (Indonesian and Malaysian), and ezan in Turkish, Bosnian and Serbo-Croatian Latin (езан in Serbo-Croatian Cyrillic and Bulgarian, ezani in Albanian). Muslims in many parts of South Asia, including the Malabar Coast of India and the Punjab region of India and Pakistan, use the Persian term {{lang|fa|بانگ}}, {{transliteration|fa|bāng}}, for the call to public prayer.{{Cite book |last=Miller |first=Roland E. |url=https://sunypress.edu/Books/M/Mappila-Muslim-Culture |title=Mappila Muslim Culture |publisher=State University of New York |year=2015 |pages=397}}

Another derivative of the word {{transliteration|ar|adhān}} is {{transliteration|ar|ʾudhun}} ({{lang|ar|أُذُن}}), meaning 'ear'.

{{Main|Muezzin}}

File:Bilal.jpg" (miniature depicting Bilal ibn Rabah the first muezzin).]]

The muezzin ({{langx|ar|مُؤَذِّن|links=no}} {{Transliteration|ar|muʾaḏḏin}}) is the person who recites the adhan{{Cite journal |last=Gottheil |first=Richard J. H. |date=1910 |title=The Origination and History of the Minaret |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/3087601 |journal=Journal of the American Oriental Society |volume=30 |issue=2 |pages=132–154 |doi=10.2307/3087601|jstor=3087601 }}{{cite book |author=Mohammad Taqi al-Modarresi |author-link=Mohammad Taqi al-Modarresi |title=The Laws of Islam |date=26 March 2016 |publisher=Enlight Press |isbn=978-0994240989 |url=http://almodarresi.com/en/books/pdf/TheLawsofIslam.pdf |access-date=22 December 2017 |ref=Modarresi |language=en |archive-date=2 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802163247/http://almodarresi.com/en/books/pdf/TheLawsofIslam.pdf |url-status=dead }}{{rp| 470}} from the mosque. Typically in modern times, this is done using a microphone:{{Cite journal |last=Lee |first=Tong Soon |date=1999 |title=Technology and the Production of Islamic Space: The Call to Prayer in Singapore |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/852695 |journal=Ethnomusicology |volume=43 |issue=1 |pages=86–100 |doi=10.2307/852695|jstor=852695 }} a recitation that is consequently broadcast to the speakers usually mounted on the higher part of the mosque's minarets, thus calling those nearby to prayer. However, in many mosques, the message can also be recorded. This is due to the fact that the "call to prayer" has to be done loudly and at least five times a day. This is usually done by replaying previously recorded "call to prayer" without the presence of a muezzin. This way, the mosque operator has the ability to edit or mix the message and adjust the volume of the message while also not having to hire a full-time muezzin or in case of the absence of a muezzin. This is why in many Muslim countries, the sound of the prayer call can be exactly identical between one mosque and another, as well as between one Salah hour and another, as is the case for the London Central Mosque. In the event of a religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr, for example in Indonesia, where the Kalimah (speech) has to be recited out loud all day long, mosque operators use this recording method to create a looping recital of the Kalimah. {{Citation needed| date=March 2018}}

The muezzin is chosen for his ability in reciting the adhan clearly, melodically, and loudly enough for all people to hear. This is one of the important duties in the mosque, as his companions and community rely on him in his call for Muslims to come to pray in congregation.{{Citation |last1=Özdemir |first1=Adil |title=The Call to Prayer |date=2000 |url=http://link.springer.com/10.1057/9780230286894_9 |work=Visible Islam in Modern Turkey |pages=106–114 |place=London |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan UK |language=en |doi=10.1057/9780230286894_9 |isbn=978-1-349-41721-6 |access-date=2022-10-12 |last2=Frank |first2=Kenneth}} The Imam leads the prayer five times a day. The first muezzin in Islam was Bilal ibn Rabah, a freed slave of Abyssinian heritage.William Muir, The Life of Mohammad from Original Sources, reprinted by Adamant Media {{ISBN| 1-4021-8272-4}}Ludwig W. Adamec (2009), Historical Dictionary of Islam, p.68. Scarecrow Press. {{ISBN|0810861615}}. Quote: "Bilal, ..., was the first mu'azzin." According to Mawsuʿah al-Fiqhiyah, the muezzin should have an elegant voice too, and should be wise about the times of prayer and Islam.

Repeating the two testimonies of faith is recommended according to the Shafi'i school. The first time should be said in low voice to oneself, and the second should be called out; this was the practice of the people of Mecca.{{cite book|last=Al-Shafi'i|author-link=Al-Shafi'i|title=Al-Umm|volume=2|pages=185–187}} The Maliki school uses the same adhan, except allāhu akbar{{smallsup|u}} should only be said twice in the beginning; this was the practice of the people of Medina. Both positions also use a narration in Sahih Muslim as evidence.{{cite web|title=Abu Mahdhurah's (Rady Allahu 'anhu) Adhan|url=http://www.shafiifiqh.com/abu-mahdhurah%e2%80%99s-rady-allahu-%e2%80%98anhu-adhan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415100925/http://www.shafiifiqh.com/abu-mahdhurah%e2%80%99s-rady-allahu-%e2%80%98anhu-adhan/|archive-date=April 15, 2012|website=shafiifiqh.com|access-date=Jan 24, 2024|url-status=bot: unknown}}

On rare occasions, the muezzin may say "ṣallu fī buyūtikum" (pray in your homes) or "ṣallu fī riḥālikum" (pray in your dwellings) if it is heavily rainy, windy, or cold. Another case where this was said was during the COVID-19 lockdown. It may either be said at the end of the adhan, or replacing "ḥayya ʿala ṣ-ṣalāh" and "ḥayya ʿala l-falāḥ"; other ways have also been narrated.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

{{Externalvideo|video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Bhdhys3lX0 Recitation of the Shia adhan]}}

Shia sources state Muhammad, according to God's command, ordered the adhan as a means of calling Muslims to prayer. Shia Islam teaches that no one else contributed, or had any authority to contribute, towards the composition of the adhan.Quran [http://al-quran.info/?x=y#&&sura=32&aya=21&trans=en-ali_quli&show=both,quran-uthmani&ver=2.00 : Surah Sajda: Ayah 24-25]

Shia sources also narrate that Bilal ibn Rabah al-Habashi was, in fact, the first person to recite the adhan publicly out loud in front of the Muslim congregation.

The fundamental phrase lā ʾilāha ʾillā llāh is the foundation stone of Islam along with the belief in it. It declares that "there is no god but Allah". This is the confession of Tawhid or the "doctrine of Oneness [of God]".

The phrase Muḥammadun rasūlu -llāh fulfills the requirement that there should be someone to guide in the name of God, which states Muhammad is God's Messenger. This is the acceptance of prophethood or Nabuwat of Muhammad.

File:Kalema at Bab al Nasr, Fatimid Cairo.jpg of Shia Fatimid dynasty of Cairo with phrase ʿalīyun walīyu -llāh]]

File:Kalema-tut-shahadat.jpg of Mustansir of Shia Fatimid dynasty of, in Mosque of Ibn Tulun of Cairo showing Kalimat ash-shahādah with the phrase ʿalīyun walīyu -llāh]]

According to the Shia belief, Muhammad declared Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor, at Ghadir Khumm, which was required for the continuation of his guidance. According to the hadith of the pond of Khumm, Muhammad stated that "Of whomsoever I am the authority, Ali is his authority". Hence, it is recommended to recite the phrase ʿalīyun walī -llāh ("Ali is His [God's] Authority").

In one of the Qiblah of Ma'ad al-Mustansir Billah (1035–1094) of Fatemi era masjid of Qahira (Mosque of Ibn Tulun) engraved his name and kalimat ash-shahādah as lā ʾilāha ʾillā -llāh, muḥammadun rasūlu -llāh, ʿalīyun walīyu -llāh ({{lang|ar|لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ عَلِيٌّ وَلِيُّ ٱللَّٰهِ}}).

Adhan reminds Muslims of these three Islamic teaching Tawhid, Nabuwat and Imamate before each prayer. These three emphasise devotion to God, Muhammad and Imam, which are considered to be so linked together that they can not be viewed separately; one leads to other and finally to God.

The phrase is optional to some Shia as justified above. They feel that Ali's Walayah ("Divine Authority") is self-evident, a testification and need not be declared. However, the greatness of God is also taken to be self-evident, but Muslims still declare Allāhu ʾakbar to publicize their faith. This is the reason that the most Shia give for the recitation of the phrase regarding Ali.

File:The Adhan - Muslim Call to Prayer.mp3

{{Externalvideo

|video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0TL3SkFMcA Sunni adhan]

}}

Sunnis believe that the adhan was not written or said by the Islamic prophet, Muhammad, but rather by one of his companions. Abdullah ibn Zayd, a companion of Muhammad, reportedly had a vision in his dream, in which the adhan was revealed to him by God. He related this to his companions; later, this news reached Muhammad, who confirmed it. Because of his stunning voice, Muhammad chose a freed Habeshan slave by the name of Bilal ibn Rabah al-Habashi to make the call for prayers. Muhammad preferred the call over the use of bells, used by Christians, and horns, used by Jews.{{Cite web |title=Sahih Muslim |url=https://sunnah.com/muslim/4 |access-date=2020-03-18 |website=sunnah.com}}Sunan al-Tirmidhi (Arabic) Chapter of Fitan, 2:45 (India) and 4:501 Tradition # 2225 (Egypt); Hadith #2149 (numbering of al-'Alamiyyah){{cite book |last=Haykal |first=Muhammad Husayn |author-link=Muhammad Husayn Haykal |title=The Life of Muhammad |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fOyO-TSo5nEC&pg=PA200 |isbn= 9789839154177|page=200|date=May 1994 |publisher=The Other Press }}

File:Adhan in Shalqar mosque.webm, Kazakhstan]]

During the Friday prayer (Salat al-Jum'ah), there is one adhan but some Sunni Muslims increase it to two adhans; the first is to call the people to the mosque, the second is said before the imam begins the khutbah (sermon). Just before the prayers start, someone amongst the praying people recites the iqama as in all prayers. The basis for this is that at the time of the caliph Uthman he ordered two adhans to be made, the first of which was to be made in the marketplace to inform the people that the Friday prayer was soon to begin, and the second adhan would be the regular one held in the mosque. Not all Sunnis prefer two adhans as the need for warning the people of the impending time for prayer is no longer essential now that the times for prayers are well known.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

While listening to the adhan, it is recommended to repeat the same words silently, except when the adhan reciter (muezzin) says: "{{lang|ar|أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ}}" and "{{lang|ar|أَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ}}" (ʾašhadu ʾan lā ʾilāha ʾillā -llāh{{smallsup|u}} and ʾašhadu ʾanna Muḥammadan rasūlu -llāh{{smallsup|i}}) they silently say:

{{blockquote|{{lang|ar|وَأَنَا أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ (صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ) أَكْتَفِي بِهَا عَمَّنْ أَبَىٰ وَجَحَدَ وَأُعِينُ بِهَا مَنْ أَقَرَّ وَشَهِدَ}}

{{transliteration|ar|wa-ʾanā ʾašhadu ʾan lā ʾilāha ʾillā -llāhu wa-ʾašhadu ʾanna muḥammadan rasūlu -llāhi (ṣallā -llāhu ʿalayhi wa-ʾālihi wa-sallama) ʾaktafī bihā ʿamman ʾabā wa-jaḥada wa-ʾuʿīnu bihā man ʾaqarra wa-šahid{{smallsup|a}}}}

"And I [also] bear witness that there is no deity but God, I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God, and I suffice by it (the testimonies) against whoever refuses and fights against it (the testimonies), and I designate by it one who agrees and testifies."{{cite book |last=Al-Kulayni |first=Ya'qub |date=940 |title=الكافي |trans-title=Al-Kafi |url=https://hubeali.com/books/English-Books/AlKafiVol3/AlKafiV3-TheBookOfSalat(2).pdf#page14 |language=ar, en |publisher=Hub-e-Ali }}}}

Whenever Muhammad's name is mentioned in the adhan or iqama, it is recommended to recite salawat,{{cite book |last=Al-Kulayni |first=Ya'qub |date=940 |title=الكافي |trans-title=Al-Kafi |url=https://hubeali.com/books/English-Books/AlKafiVol3/AlKafiV3-TheBookOfSalat(2).pdf#page8 |language=ar, en |publisher=Hub-e-Ali }} a form of the peace be upon him blessing specifically for Muhammad. This salawat is usually recited as either {{transliteration|ar|ṣallā -llāhu ʿalayhī wa-ʾālihī wa-sallam{{smallsup|a}}}} ({{lang|ar|صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ}}), {{transliteration|ar|ṣallā -llāhu ʿalayhī wa-ʾālih{{smallsup|ī}}}} ({{lang|ar|صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ}}), or {{transliteration|ar|ʾallāhumma ṣalli ʿalā muḥammadin wa-ʾāli muḥammad{{smallsup|in}}}} ({{lang|ar|ٱللَّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ}}).

Immediately following the adhan, it is recommended to sit and recite the following dua (supplication):

{{blockquote|{{lang|ar|ٱللَّٰهُمَّ ٱجْعَلْ قَلْبِي بَارًّا وَرِزْقِي دَارًّا وَٱجْعَلْ لِي عِنْدَ قَبْرِ نَبِيِّكَ (صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ) قَرَارًا وَمُسْتَقَرًّا}}

{{transliteration|ar|ʾallāhumma -jʿal qalbī bārran wa-rizqī dārran wa-jʿal lī ʿinda qabri nabīyika (ṣallā -llāhu ʿalayhi waʾ-ālihi wa-sallama) qarāran wa-mustaqarrā{{smallsup|n}}}}

"O God! Make my heart to be righteous, and my livelihood to be constant, and my sustenance to be continuous, and Make for me, in the presence of Your Prophet (God bless him and his progeny and grant him peace) a dwelling and a rest."}}

While listening to the adhan, it is recommended to silently repeat after the caller, except when they say "come to prayer" (ḥayya ʿala ṣ-ṣalāh{{smallsup|ti}}) and "come to success" (ḥayya ʿala l-falāḥ{{smallsup|i}}), to which it is recommended to silently say "there is no ability and no power except by God, [the Most High, Most Great]" (lā ḥawla wa-lā quwwata illā bi-llāh{{smallsup|i}} [l-ʿaliyyi l-ʿaẓīm{{smallsup|i}}]).{{cite book|last=Al-Bukhari|author-link=Al-Bukhari|title=Sahih Bukhari 611|url=https://sunnah.com/bukhari:611}}{{cite book|last=Muslim|author-link=Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj|title=Sahih Muslim 384|url=https://sunnah.com/muslim:384}}{{cite book|last=Muslim|author-link=Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj|title=Sahih Muslim 385|url=https://sunnah.com/muslim:385}}{{cite book|last=Ibn Qudamah|author-link=Ibn Qudamah|title=Al-Muqni'|url=https://shamela.ws/book/19233/38|volume=1|page=42|quote=It is desirable for whoever hears the caller to say what he says, except 'come to prayer' and 'come to success', where he says 'there is no ability and no power except by God, the Most High, Most Great.'}}{{cite book|last=Ibn al-Muflih|first=Ibrahim|title=Al-Mubdi' Sharh al-Muqni'|quote=With regard to 'the Most High, Most Great', I investigated the matter and found it in al-Musnad [Ahmad ibn Hanbal] from the narration of Abu Rafi', that when the Prophet heard the caller, he would say the same thing, until he says, 'come to prayer, come to success,' where he would say, 'there is no ability and no power except with God, the Most High, Most Great.' (This addition was also narrated by Abd al-Razzaq in al-Musannaf and al-Tabarani in al-Mu'jam al-Kabir.)}} Most scholars, including the Malikis, Shafi'is, and Hanbalis, view this as only recommended; however, others, including the Hanafis and Zahiris, view it as necessary.{{cite book|last=Al-Nawawi|author-link=Al-Nawawi|title=Al-Majmu'|url=https://shamela.ws/book/2186/1249|volume=3|page=119|quote=Our view is that repeating is recommended and not obligatory, and most of the scholars said this. And al-Tahawi narrated a difference of opinion from some of the predecessors who said it is obligatory, and al-Qadi Iyad narrated it too.}}{{cite book|last=Ibn Qudamah|author-link=Ibn Qudamah|title=Al-Mughni|url=https://shamela.ws/book/6910/595|volume=2|page=89|quote=And if he does not say what he says and opens prayer, there is no harm. Ahmad stipulated this.}}{{cite web|url=https://askimam.org/public/question_detail/6819|title=Is it compulsory to give answer to the Adhan?|last=Desai|first=Ebrahim|author-link=Ebrahim Desai|date=Oct 22, 2002|website=askimam.org|access-date=Jan 30, 2023}}

Immediately following the adhan, it is recommended to recite the following supplications:

1. A testification of faith

{{blockquote|

{{lang|ar|وَأَنَا أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ رَضِيتُ بِٱللَّٰهِ رَبًّا وَبِمُحَمَّدٍ رَسُولًا وَبِٱلْإِسْلَامِ دِينًا}}

{{transliteration|ar|wa-anā ashhadu an lā ilāha illā llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah{{smallsup|u}}, wa-anna muḥammadan ʿabduhu wa-rasūluh{{smallsup|u}}, raḍītu bi-llāhi rabbā{{smallsup|n}}, wa-bi-muḥammadin rasūlā{{smallsup|n}}, wa-bi-l-islāmi dīnā{{smallsup|n}}}}

"And I testify that there is nothing worthy of worship except God, alone without a partner, and that Muhammad is his servant and messenger. I am pleased with God as lord, with Muhammad as messenger, and with Islam as religion."{{cite book|last=Muslim|author-link=Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj|title=Muslim 386|url=https://sunnah.com/muslim:386}}{{cite web|url=https://www.muslimgoogle.com/2020/10/dua-after-adhan.html|title=Dua after adhan with adhan dua meaning in English - muslim google|access-date=October 10, 2020|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022174729/https://www.muslimgoogle.com/2020/10/dua-after-adhan.html|url-status=dead}}

}}

2. Prayers and blessings on Muhammad and his family

{{blockquote|

{{lang|ar|ٱللَّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ وَبَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ}}

{{transliteration|ar|allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā muḥammadin wa-ʿalā āli muḥammad{{smallsup|in}}, kamā ṣallayta ʿalā ibrāhīma wa-ʿalā āli ibrāhīm{{smallsup|a}}, innaka ḥamīdun majīd{{smallsup|un}}, wa-bārik ʿalā muḥammadin wa-ʿalā āli muḥammad{{smallsup|in}}, kamā bārakta ʿalā ibrāhīma wa-ʿalā āli ibrāhīm{{smallsup|a}}, innaka ḥamīdun majīd{{smallsup|un}}}}

"O God! Send prayers on Muhammad and on Muhammad's family, like you sent prayers on Abraham and on Abraham's family. Indeed, you are praiseworthy and glorious. And send blessings on Muhammad and on Muhammad's family, like you sent blessings on Abraham and on Abraham's family. Indeed, you are praiseworthy and glorious."

}}

3. Praying for Muhammad's station and virtousness

{{blockquote|

{{lang|ar|اللَّٰهُمَّ رَبَّ هَٰذِهِ ٱلدَّعْوَةِ ٱلتَّامَّةِ وَٱلصَّلاَةِ ٱلْقَائِمَةِ آتِ مُحَمَّدًا ٱلْوَسِيلَةَ وَٱلْفَضِيلَةَ وَٱبْعَثْهُ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا ٱلَّذِي وَعَدْتَهُ إِنَّكَ لَا تُخْلِفُ ٱلْمِيعَادَ}}

{{transliteration|ar|allāhumma rabba hādhihi d-daʿwati t-tāmmati wa-ṣ-ṣalāti l-qāʾimah{{smallsup|ti}}, āti muhammadan il-wasīlata wa-l-faḍīlah{{smallsup|ta}}, wa-bʿathhu maqāman maḥmūdan illadhī waʿadtah{{smallsup|u}}, innaka lā tukhlifu l-mīʿād{{smallsup|a}}}}

"O God, lord of this perfect call and established prayer! Give Muhammad the station and virtuousness, and raise him to the praiseworthy station that you promised him. Indeed, you do not neglect promises."{{cite book|last=Al-Bukhari|author-link=Al-Bukhari|title=Sahih Bukhari 614|url=https://sunnah.com/bukhari:614}}{{cite book|last=Al-Bayhaqi|author-link=Al-Bayhaqi|title=Al-Sunan al-Kubra 1933|url=https://shamela.ws/book/7861/2195}}{{cite web|url=https://www.islamiceducationpk.com/2023/02/DuaafterAzanAdhan.html|title=Dua after azan (adhan) | sunnah of Muhammad (SAW)|date=31 March 2023 }}

}}

4. Any personal supplication made to God between the adhan and iqamah. It was narrated this is a time when supplications are especially answered and not rejected.{{cite book|last=Abu Dawud|author-link=Abu Dawud al-Sijistani|title=Sunan Abi Dawud 524|url=https://sunnah.com/abudawud:524}}{{cite book|last=Al-Tirmidhi|author-link=Al-Tirmidhi|title=Jami' al-Tirmidhi 212|url=https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi:212}}{{cite book|last=Ibn Hanbal|first=Ahmad|author-link=Ahmad ibn Hanbal|title=Al-Musnad 12584|url= https://shamela.ws/book/25794/9763}}

The call to prayer is said after entering the time of prayer. The muezzin usually stands during the call to prayer.{{Cite book|title=Mohammad Taqi al-Modarresi (26 March 2016). The Laws of Islam (PDF). Enlight Press. p. 470. ISBN 978-0994240989. Retrieved 8 August 2018}} It is common for the muezzin to put his hands to his ears when reciting the adhan. Each phrase is followed by a longer pause and is repeated one or more times according to fixed rules. During the first statement each phrase is limited in tonal range, less melismatic, and shorter. Upon repetition the phrase is longer, ornamented with melismas, and may possess a tonal range of over an octave. The adhan's form is characterised by contrast and contains twelve melodic passages which move from one to another tonal center of one maqam a fourth or fifth apart. Various geographic regions in the Middle East traditionally perform the adhan in particular maqamat: Medina, Saudi Arabia uses Maqam Bayati while Mecca uses Maqam Hijaz. The tempo is mostly slow; it may be faster and with fewer melismas for the sunset prayer. During festivals, it may be performed antiphonally as a duet.Touma, Habib Hassan (1996). The Music of the Arabs, p.157-158, trans. Laurie Schwartz. Portland, Oregon: Amadeus Press. {{ISBN|0-931340-88-8}}. Duration can be 1 minutes, but also longer, and then continuing with the shorter iqama.{{cite web |title=Reciting the Adhan {{!}} Guide to the Islamic call to prayer [History, Meaning and Soundscapes] |url=https://www.uncoveringsound.com/adhan-call-to-prayer-guide/ |date=2 August 2022}}

There are controversies due to community-centric disagreements at mosques in Australia, such as ongoing parking disputes at Al Zahra in Arncliffe,{{cite web | url=https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowUserReviews-g552081-d8727172-r450008981-Al_Zahra_Arncliffe_Mosque-Arncliffe_Rockdale_Greater_Sydney_New_South_Wales.html | title=Inconsiderate Parking Al-Zahra Arncliffe Mosque}} noise complaints at Gallipoli Mosque{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZXouPZAga8 | title=First Azan - Muslim call to prayer in Sydney - Australia | website=YouTube | date=17 October 2014 }} and Lakemba Mosque{{cite web | url=https://www.sbs.com.au/language/arabic/en/article/sydneys-lakemba-mosque-to-broadcast-muslim-call-to-prayer-over-loudspeakers/pjxydqtlg | title=Sydney's Lakemba mosque to broadcast Muslim call to prayer over loudspeakers }} in Sydney, and public filming at Albanian Australian Islamic Society and the Keysborough Turkish Islamic and Cultural Centre{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ3nhwPfMew | title=Emotional Azan by Idris Aslami - Filmed at Mosque in Australia (2017) | website=YouTube | date=16 January 2017 }} in Melbourne.{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXJhxczxejs | title=First Adhan Called from Melbourne Mosque Minaret | website=YouTube | date=20 November 2019 }}

In 2016, opposition leader Khaleda Zia alleged the government was preventing the broadcasting of adhans through loudspeakers, with government officials citing security concerns for the prime minister Sheikh Hasina".{{Cite news|url=http://en.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/news/110075/Azan-not-being-allowed-thru-loudhailers-for|title=Azan not being allowed thru loudhailers for Hasina's security: Khaleda|date=28 June 2016|publisher=Prothom Alo|newspaper=Prothom Alo|access-date=10 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110161622/http://en.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/news/110075/Azan-not-being-allowed-thru-loudhailers-for|archive-date=2017-01-10|url-status=dead}}{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}

In 2016, Israel's ministerial committee approved a draft bill that limits the volume of the use of public address systems for calls to prayer, particularly outdoor loudspeakers for the adhan, citing it as a factor of noise pollution, the draft bill was never enacted and has been in limbo ever since.{{cite news|title=Israel to limit volume of prayer call from mosques|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/region/israel-limit-volume-prayer-call-mosques}}{{cite news|title=Israel to ban use of loudspeakers for 'Azaan' despite protest|url=http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2016/11/14/53061/Israel-to-ban-use-of-loudspeakers-for-%E2%80%98Azaan%E2%80%99|access-date=10 January 2017|work=The Financial Express|publisher=Ynet|date=14 November 2016}} The bill was submitted by Knesset member Motti Yogev of the far right Zionist party Jewish Home and Robert Ilatov of the right wing Yisrael Beiteinu. The ban is meant to affect three mosques in Abu Dis village of East Jerusalem, disbarring them from broadcasting the morning call (fajr) prayers.{{cite news|last1=Hawwash|first1=Kamel|title=Israel's ban on the Muslim call to prayer in Jerusalem is the tip of the iceberg|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161107-israels-ban-on-the-muslim-call-to-prayer-in-jerusalem-is-the-tip-of-the-iceberg/|access-date=10 January 2017|agency=Middle East Monitor|publisher=Middle East Monitor|date=7 November 2016}} The bill was backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who said: "I cannot count the times — they are simply too numerous — that citizens have turned to me from all parts of Israeli society, from all religions, with complaints about the noise and suffering caused to them by the excessive noise coming to them from the public address systems of houses of prayer."{{cite news|title=Israeli PM backs bill to limit Azan|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1296253|access-date=10 January 2017|agency=AFP|newspaper=Dawn|date=14 November 2016}} The Israel Democracy Institute, a non-partisan think tank, expressed concerns that it specifically stifles the rights of Muslims, and restricts their freedom of religion.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait, some cities changed their adhan from the usual hayya 'ala as-salah, meaning "come to prayer", to as-salatu fi buyutikum meaning "pray in your homes" or ala sallu fi rihalikum meaning "pray where you are".[https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/3/14/kuwait-mosques-tell-believers-to-pray-at-home Kuwait mosques tell believers to pray at home amid coronavirus pandemic] alaraby.co.uk

Other Muslim countries (notably Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Indonesia) also made this change because Muslims are prohibited to pray in mosques during the pandemic as preventive measures to stop the chain of the outbreak. The basis for the authority to change a phrase in the adhan was justified by Muhammad's instructions while calling for adhan during adverse conditions.[https://sahih-bukhari.com/Pages/Bukhari_1_11.php] Bukhari: Volume 1, Book 11, Number 605

The Fittja Mosque in Botkyrka, south of Stockholm, was in 2013 the first mosque to be granted permission for a weekly public call to Friday prayer, on condition that the sound volume does not exceed 60 dB.{{cite web|url=https://www.dn.se/sthlm/ljudkablar-dras-for-forsta-boneutropet/|title=Ljudkablar dras för första böneutropet|publisher=Dagens Nyheter|date=24 April 2014|language=sv|trans-title=Cables laid out for the first call to prayer}} In Karlskrona (province of Blekinge, southern Sweden) the Islamic association built a minaret in 2017 and has had weekly prayer calls since then.{{cite news|url=https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/blekinge/blekinge-har-fatt-sin-forsta-minaret|title=Blekinge har fått sin första minaret|newspaper=SVT Nyheter|publisher=Sveriges Television|date=13 Oct 2017|access-date=21 March 2018|language=sv|trans-title=Blekinge has gotten its first minaret|last1=Börje|first1=Anna}}{{cite web|url=https://aa.com.tr/en/europe/swedish-town-allows-calls-to-prayer-from-minaret/968559|title=Swedish town allows calls to prayer from minaret|publisher=Anadolu Agency|date=17 Nov 2017|access-date=21 March 2018}} The temporary mosque in Växjö filed for a similar permission in February 2018,{{cite news|url=https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/smaland/vaxjos-muslimer-vill-ha-boneutrop|title=Moskén i Växjö vill ha böneutrop|newspaper=SVT Nyheter|publisher=Sveriges Television|date=12 February 2018|access-date=20 March 2018|language=sv|trans-title=The mosque in Växjö wants prayer calls}} which sparked a nationwide debate about the practice.{{cite news|url=http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=2054&artikel=6907797|title=Christian Democrat leader opposes Muslim call to prayer in Sweden|newspaper=Sveriges Radio|publisher=Radio Sweden|date=15 March 2018|access-date=20 March 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.islamichotspot.com/swedish-church-supports-muslims-adhan/|title=Swedish church supports Muslims Adhan|author=Lawal Olatunde|publisher=Islamic Hotspot|date=14 February 2018|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320110727/http://www.islamichotspot.com/swedish-church-supports-muslims-adhan/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2018/3/19/this-jewish-leader-is-defending-muslim-mosques-in-sweden|title=This Jewish leader is defending the Muslim call to prayer in Sweden|publisher=The New Arab|date=19 March 2018|access-date=20 March 2018}} A yearlong permission was granted by the Swedish Police Authority in May the same year.{{cite web |url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/l10A2y/polisen-tillater-boneutrop-via-hogtalare |title=Polisen tillåter böneutrop via högtalare |last=Thorneus |first=Ebba |date=May 8, 2018 |website=Aftonbladet |access-date=December 27, 2018 |language=sv}}{{cite news |url=https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/smaland/polisen-ger-klartecken-boneutrop-i-vaxjo |title=Polisen ger klartecken till böneutrop i Växjö |trans-title=The Police gives clearance for prayer calls in Växjö |last=Broke |first=Cecilia |date=May 8, 2018 |website=SVT |access-date=December 27, 2018 |language=sv}}

The usage of loudspeakers to broadcast the adhan was banned in 2009 with Law No. 489 of 26 March 2009 on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Unions.{{Cite journal|last=Roznai|first=Yaniv|date=2017-06-07|title=Negotiating the Eternal: The Paradox of Entrenching Secularism in Constitutions|url=https://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=2982275|journal=Michigan State Law Review|language=en|location=Rochester, NY|volume=253|pages=282|doi=10.2139/ssrn.2982275|ssrn=2982275}}

As an extension of the reforms brought about by the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, the Turkish government at the time, encouraged by Atatürk, introduced secularism to Turkey. The program involved implementing a Turkish adhan program as part of its goals, as opposed to the conventional Arabic call to prayer.[http://www.islamonline.net/english/ArtCulture/2004/01/article01.shtml The adhan in Turkey] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412072422/http://www.islamonline.net/english/ArtCulture/2004/01/article01.shtml |date=April 12, 2009 }} Following the conclusion of said debates, on the 1 February 1932, the adhan was chanted in Turkish and the practice was continued for a period of 18 years. There was some resistance against the adhan in the Turkish language and protests surged. In order to suppress these protests, in 1941, a new law was issued, under which people who chanted the adhan in Arabic could be imprisoned for up to three months and be fined up to 300 Turkish lira.

On 17 June 1950, a new government led by Adnan Menderes, restored Arabic as the liturgical language.{{Cite web|url=http://dergipark.gov.tr/download/article-file/10182|title=The issue of chanting the adhan in languages other than Arabic and related social reactions against it in Turkey|last=Aydar|first=Hidayet|date=2006|website=dergipark.gov.tr|pages=59–62|access-date=2019-01-12|archive-date=January 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112195037/http://dergipark.gov.tr/download/article-file/10182|url-status=dead}}

In 2005, former Uzbek president Islam Karimov banned the Muslim call to prayer from being broadcast in the country; the ban was lifted in November 2017 by his successor, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.{{Cite news |title=An Uzbek spring has sprung, but summer is still a long way off |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2017/12/14/an-uzbek-spring-has-sprung-but-summer-is-still-a-long-way-off |access-date=2022-11-13 |issn=0013-0613}}

In other countries, there is no written law forbidding the distribution of the call to prayer in mosques and prayer halls.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

In some Muslim-majority countries, television stations usually broadcasts the adhan at prayer times, in a similar fashion to radio stations. In Indonesia and Malaysia, it is mandatory for all television stations to broadcast the adhan at Fajr and Magrib prayers, with the exception of non-Muslim religious stations. Islamic religious stations often broadcast the adhan at all five prayer times. Since the 1970s the adhan has been broadcast from mosques in the U.S., such as the American Moslem Society, which was established in Dearborn, Michigan.{{Cite web |date=2018-02-02 |title=Mornings in Michigan: Dearborn residents wake up to sacred chant |url=https://www.michiganpublic.org/news/2018-02-02/mornings-in-michigan-dearborn-residents-wake-up-to-sacred-chant |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=Michigan Public |language=en}}

The adhan are commonly broadcast with a visual cinematic sequence depicting mosques and worshippers attending to the prayer. Some television stations in both Malaysia and Indonesia often utilize a more artistic or cultural approach to the cinematic involving multiple actors and religious-related plotlines.{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F7yawnsPJH8|title=Adzan Maghrib RCTI 2015 (from YouTube)|website=YouTube |date=25 June 2015 |access-date=15 March 2022}}

In Iran, the adhan is regularly broadcast on national television and radio, particularly for the Fajr prayer. The rendition by Rahim Moazenzadeh Ardabili, recorded in the 1950s, is one of the most well-known versions in the country and has been used in state broadcasts for decades. It remains widely recognized for its distinctive melody and delivery.{{Cite web |title=The tomb of Sheikh Karim Moazenzadeh Ardabili |url=https://abdimedia.net/en/memory-past/tomb-sheikh-karim-muezzinzadeh-ardabili?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2025-04-04 |website=abdimedia.net |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=WAY |first=IRAN THIS |date=2016-11-27 |title=Master Salim Moazzenzadeh Ardebili died+Video+Sound |url=https://iranthisway.com/2016/11/27/master-salim-moazzenzadeh-ardebili-diedvideosound/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2025-04-04 |website=IRAN This Way |language=en-US}} His brother, Salim Moazenzadeh Ardabili, was also a recognized muezzin in Iran and regularly called the adhan after Rahim's death.{{Cite web |date=2016-11-22 |title=وفاة سليم مؤذن زاده اردبيلي سلطان مداحي آل البيت |url=https://ar.mehrnews.com/news/1867134/%D9%88%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D8%B3%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%85-%D9%85%D8%A4%D8%B0%D9%86-%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%84%D9%8A-%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%B7%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AD%D9%8A-%D8%A2%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%AA |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=ar}}{{Cite web |last=roozplus.com |first=پایگاه خبری روز پلاس {{!}} |date=December 23, 2016 |title=فوری/مداح معروف به علت ایست قلبی در گذشت +عکس |url=https://roozplus.com/fa/news/16018/%D9%81%D9%88%D8%B1%DB%8C%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AD-%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%81-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%AA-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B3%D8%AA-%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A8%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%DA%AF%D8%B0%D8%B4%D8%AA-%D8%B9%DA%A9%D8%B3 |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=fa |language=fa}}

The 1991-1994 recording of Masjid al-Haram muezzin, Sheikh Ali Ahmed Mulla is best known for its use in various television and radio stations.

The adhan is referenced in the eighth verse of İstiklâl Marşı, the Turkish national anthem:

{{blockquote|The sole wish of my soul, oh glorious God, from You is that,
No heathen would ever, on the bosom of my temple, lay hand!
These adhans, whose testimonies are the ground of religion,
Should resound far and wide over my eternal homeland.}}

The adhan appears in "The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace" composed by Karl Jenkins.

{{Portal|Islam}}

• Barechu - Jewish call to prayer
• Church bells - Christian call to prayer
• Dhikr
• Tashahhud

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{sister project links|d=Q165494|c=Category:Adhan|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|s=Aẓān|wikt=no|species=no}}

• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCV569SrAyA Adhan from the Grand Mosque (Masjid al Haram) recited by Sheikh Ali Ahmed Mulla]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84s51RQ_uYM Adhan from the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid Nabawi), Madinah al Munawarah]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=400u6XD9W1c Adhan (call for prayer) from a mosque]
• [https://www.dawn.com/news/1541609 Tweaking the Azaan and other measures Muslim countries have taken to combat the virus]
• [http://islam.about.com/cs/prayer/f/adhan_english.htm Meaning of the adhan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303202201/http://islam.about.com/cs/prayer/f/adhan_english.htm |date=March 3, 2017 }}
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlpLqOH2osc Ezan video at Hagia Sophia]

{{Islamic prayer}}

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Category:Salah terminology