The adhan: the call to prayer
Islamic Studies · Key Stage 2 · The School
A voice, not a bell
The ADHAN is the call to prayer. It is called out loud, usually from the mosque. Unlike a church bell or a siren, it uses real words. A short, set text. Called in a particular rhythm, by a MUEZZIN.
What the words say
The adhan opens with Allahu Akbar. Allah is greatest. In most adhans it is said four times. In the Maliki school it is said twice. It then says there is no god but Allah. And that Muhammad ﷺ is His messenger. It calls people to prayer. And to success. Its last words say there is no god but Allah.
The first muezzin
Bilal ibn Rabah was an enslaved man, freed for his faith. He is remembered as the first person chosen to call the adhan. The Prophet ﷺ chose him himself. He was chosen for his voice. His story is often taught right alongside the adhan itself.
Picture a mosque where Sunni Muslims pray. It is time for Fajr, the dawn prayer. The muezzin calls out Allahu Akbar, which means Allah is greatest. He says there is no god but Allah. He says Muhammad ﷺ is His messenger. He calls, "Come to prayer" and "Come to success." Then he says twice, "Prayer is better than sleep." Sunni scholars teach that this line is for Fajr only. They say it helps a sleeper get up for something better. The call ends with Allahu Akbar and La ilaha illa Allah. So this Fajr call has one extra line that the other four calls lack. Twelver Shia scholars, from one Shia group, say that line is not part of the call. They say there is no religious proof for it. Shia calls have lines of their own, too.