The Islamic call to prayer (Adhan (أذان), or Azan) is an essential ritual and spiritual process in the Islamic world. It is a compelling call to worship, reminding us that it is time to perform the ritual prayer, and it also serves as a reminder of the Islamic faith chanted in mosques worldwide. The adhan echoes five times daily as a person recognised to be the muezzin is the one reciting it, at the same time calling Muslims to abandon their earthly matters to face Allah.
What is the Adhan?
The adhan, also written as adhan, call to prayer, is the Muslim call to prayer delivered by a muezzin from a minaret (مئذنة). The purpose of the adhan in Islam is to inform the community that it’s time for one of the five daily Islamic prayers. The word adhan itself comes from the Arabic root adhina, meaning “to listen” or “to permit.”
The meaning of the adhan is a spiritual and vocal invitation to submit to the will of Allah. It is a unique act of worship that combines faith, unity, and discipline among Muslims.
Adhan Words and Their Meaning
The adhan words are short but carry profound meaning. Here is the azan in English words along with adhan translation for a deeper understanding:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the GreatestAshhadu an la ilaha illa Allah
I bear witness that there is no god but AllahAshhadu anna Muhammadur Rasool Allah
I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of AllahHayya ‘ala-s-Salah
Hasten to the prayerHayya ‘ala-l-Falah
Hasten to successAllahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the GreatestLa ilaha illa Allah
There is no god but Allah
This beautiful composition is often referred to as the azan lyrics or adhan lyrics, expressing the core beliefs of Islam. In the early dawn prayer (Fajr), an additional line is added:
As-salatu khayrun min an-naum
Prayer is better than sleep
Arabic Text of Adhan:
اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ
اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ
أَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللّٰه
أَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللّٰه
حَيَّ عَلَى الصَّلَاةِ
حَيَّ عَلَى الصَّلَاةِ
حَيَّ عَلَى الْفَلَاحِ
حَيَّ عَلَى الْفَلَاحِ
(Only in Fajr):
الصَّلَاةُ خَيْرٌ مِّنَ النَّوْمِ
الصَّلَاةُ خَيْرٌ مِّنَ النَّوْمِ
اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ
Special Addition in the Fajr Adhan (Morning Prayer)
The Fajr prayer, which is the first of the five daily prayers, includes an additional line in its adhan that sets it apart from the rest:
As-Salatu Khayrun Min An-Naum
Prayer is better than sleep
This line emphasises the virtue of waking up early for prayer, even when sleep may seem more appealing. It is only recited in the Fajr Adhan, making it a unique feature. Understanding the Fajr adhan translation helps Muslims appreciate the spiritual significance of rising early to remember Allah.
This special phrase appears after “Hayya ‘ala al-Falah” and before “Allahu Akbar” and “La ilaha illa Allah.” This addition further underscores the significance of prayer in Islam, particularly the early dawn prayer.
What Is Iqama? The Second Call to Prayer
After the adhan, there is a second call called the Iqama (إقامة). While the adhan announces the time for prayer, the Iqama for prayer signals the immediate beginning of salah.
Difference Between Adhan and Iqama
| Feature | Adhan | Iqama |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Announces the time for prayer | Signals that the prayer is about to begin |
| Length | Longer, more poetic | Shorter, more direct |
| Recited By | Muezzin | Often the same muezzin or Imam |
| Extra Phrases | “As-Salatu Khayrun Min An-Naum” in Fajr only | Adds “Qad qamatis Salah” |
The key phrase in Iqama is:
Qad qamatis Salah, Qad qamatis Salah
The prayer is ready to begin
This clarifies the difference between the adhan and iqama. The Iqama has fewer lines, and it is recited at a faster pace, usually just before the imam begins the salah. Both recitations follow the tajweed rules to maintain beauty and clarity in pronunciation.
The Role of the Muezzin
Adhan is the pronunciation carried out by a muezzin. In the Islamic faith, a muezzin is a person who has the privilege to call to prayer. This is not the voice that announces but sings spiritually, since the voice of the muezzin reminds one of the communication to God. A very revered term in Islam is the muezzin. Traditionally, the first muezzin was Bilal ibn Rabah, a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Adhan in English and Its Modern Relevance
There are numerous Muslims in the world, especially those conversant with non-Arabic speaking countries, who would like to know the adhan in words that are written in English. It could be the pronunciation of the adhan or the translation thereof, or it could be the call to prayer English translation, but the aim of the same is to bring hearts closer to Allah.
As there is increased concern about the Islamic operation, especially with online azaan and adhan audio, people are now curious to become more acquainted with the adhan lyrics in English. This can be considered a method of Islamic education, further enhancing affiliation with the ritualistic praying in Islam.
Spiritual Significance of the Call to Prayer
The call to prayer by the Islamic religion is not merely routine, but a reminder from Allah. It encourages the followers to take some time and cleanse their hearts. The significance of namaz in Islam has been greatly emphasised through the daily call to prayer, which strengthens the ideology of control and devotion.
Whenever a Muslim recites the word of prayer, (Azaan) the call to prayer, he or she is advised to repeat the words himself or herself and say a dua in English or Arabic after azan:
اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ هذِهِ الدَّعْوَةِ التَّامَّةِ وَالصَّلَاةِ القَائِمَةِ، آتِ مُحَمَّدًا الوَسِيلَةَ وَالفَضِيلَةَ، وَابْعَثْهُ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا الَّذِي وَعَدْتَهُ
O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and the established prayer, grant Muhammad the intercession and favor, and raise him to the praised position You have promised him.
Importance of Adhan in Daily Islamic Life
The Islamic Adhan is a call to togetherness and surrender. Whenever a Muslim calls the prayer, it puts the mind and the heart back on the right track of Allah. Regardless, the English translation of adhan and the words of the azan in English have become quite popular, helping to inform both Muslims and non-Muslims about this divine practice.
All five Islamic calls of prayers (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha) begin with the Adhan and end with the Iqama embedded in the whole framework of worship in Islam.
Learning How to Recite the Adhan
For those who wish to learn how to recite the adhan, the procedure involves committing it to memory, both in English and Arabic, as the words of the adhan are, learning the proper tajweed of it, and understanding the spiritual background of the adhan. There are numerous sources for learning how to recite the azan, the adhan, or the meaning of the Muslim prayer.
Conclusion
The Muslim call to prayer is not the only meaning of the Adhan; however, it is a rich symbol of religion, fraternity, and submission to God. It sounds in cities and towns, reaching hearts and reminding every Muslim of their responsibility to pray. Azan, adhan, or the Islamic prayer call is one of the most aesthetic and soul-touching actions in Islam, despite what you prefer to say about it.
By understanding the meaning, translation, and purpose of the adhan, both Muslims and non-Muslims can appreciate this unique tradition that embodies the essence of Islamic worship.