What is Adhan?

The Adhan (also written Azan or Athan) is the call to prayer in Islam, recited five times each day to announce the beginning of each obligatory prayer time. It is one of the most recognisable sounds in the Muslim world and serves as a daily reminder of faith, time, and communal worship.

Adhan: The Islamic call to prayer, announced five times daily to summon Muslims to worship.

The words of the Adhan

The Adhan consists of a fixed series of phrases: Allahu Akbar (×4) — Allah is the Greatest; Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah (×2) — I bear witness that there is no god but Allah; Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah (×2) — I bear witness that Muhammad ﷺ is the Messenger of Allah; Hayya alas-Salah (×2) — Come to prayer; Hayya alal-Falah (×2) — Come to success; Allahu Akbar (×2) — Allah is the Greatest; La ilaha illallah (×1) — There is no god but Allah. For Fajr, the phrase 'As-Salatu khayrun mina n-nawm' (Prayer is better than sleep) is added twice.

The history of the Adhan

The Adhan was instituted in the first year after the Hijra (emigration to Medina). The Prophet ﷺ consulted his companions about how to call people to prayer. After a companion, Abdullah ibn Zayd (RA), saw the words of the Adhan in a dream and reported it to the Prophet ﷺ, Bilal ibn Rabah (RA) — a freed Abyssinian slave known for his powerful voice — was chosen as the first muadhin (caller to prayer).

Responding to the Adhan

It is recommended (sunnah) to repeat the words of the Adhan quietly when you hear it — except when the caller says 'Hayya alas-Salah' and 'Hayya alal-Falah', to which you respond 'La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah' (There is no power and no strength except with Allah). After the Adhan, a dua (supplication) is recited asking for the Prophet ﷺ to be granted the 'wasila' (highest station in paradise).

Adhan vs Iqamah

The Adhan is the public call to prayer broadcast from the mosque to the wider community. The Iqamah is a shorter, second call recited inside the mosque immediately before the congregation stands for prayer. The Iqamah differs from the Adhan in that it is faster and includes the phrase 'Qad qamat as-salah' (The prayer has begun) twice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Adhan

What does Adhan mean in English?

Adhan (أذان) means 'announcement' or 'notification' in Arabic. In Islamic practice it refers specifically to the call to prayer.

How many times a day is the Adhan called?

The Adhan is called five times each day — for Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night). The Jummah (Friday) Adhan replaces the Dhuhr call.

Who was the first muadhin (caller to prayer)?

Bilal ibn Rabah (RA), a companion of the Prophet ﷺ, was the first person chosen to call the Adhan. He was known for his strong, melodious voice.

Is it obligatory to respond to the Adhan?

Responding to the Adhan by quietly repeating its words is a recommended sunnah, not an obligation. However, stopping one's activity and preparing for prayer is strongly encouraged.

Related Islamic Terms

What is Iqamah? What is Salah? What is Wudu?

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