The Words of Azan (Adhan) , Meaning, and the Islamic Call to Prayer

The English Words of Azan (Adhan) is a beautiful expression of the main beliefs of Islam and spiritual invitation to worship. The Azan (also known as Islamic Call to Prayer) is called five times a day all over the world to remind Muslims that they have the obligation to pray. Knowing the Words of Azan (Adhan) and their meaning not only enables the believers to comprehend the richness of the message but also enables the non Muslims to appreciate the beauty of the Islamic traditions.

The English version of the Words of Azan (Adhan) emphasize the oneness of Allah the prophethood of Muhammad {Salla Llahu Alayhi WaSallam} and the significance of prayer as one of the key pillars of faith Knowing the translation, pronunciation and spiritual meaning of the Words of Azan (Adhan) makes one feel part of the centuries old Islamic tradition and makes him or her more devoted to Allah.

What is the Adhan (Azan)?

Adhan (Azan) which is commonly referred to as the Islamic Call to Prayer is one of the most beautiful and spiritually enriching sounds in the Muslim world. The Mosques echo the Words of Allah five times a day with Azan (Adhan) to encourage believers to stop everything they do daily and worship Allah. Adhan is the English equivalent of Arabic meaning the announcement or proclamation of its purpose as a common invitation to prayer and contemplation.

More than a remembrance of Salah the Adhan (Azan) is a testimony of faith of the unity of Allah the prophethood of Muhammad (Salla Llahu Alayhi WaSallam) and the necessity of prayer as the foundation of life in Islam. Understanding the meaning and translation of the Adhan (Azan) will enable the Muslims and the non-Muslims to feel the rich spiritual message, the eternal rhythm and to feel the center of Islamic tradition.

Words of Azan (Adhan) with Translation

The Words of Azan (Adhan) are the spiritual call that invites Muslims to prayer five times a day. Understanding their translation helps strengthen faith and deepen the spiritual connection to Allah. These sacred words proclaim the Oneness of Allah, the Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ, and the importance of Salah, bringing peace and reflection to every believer’s heart.

اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ (Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!)
God is Great! God is Great! (4 times)
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ (Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah)
I bear witness that there is no god except Allah. (2 times)
أَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللّٰه (Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasool Allah)
I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. (2 times)
حَيَّ عَلَى الصَّلَاةِ (Hayya ‘ala-s Salah)
Hurry to the prayer. (2 times)
حَيَّ عَلَى الْفَلَاحِ (Hayya ‘ala-l Falah)
Hurry to success (or salvation). (2 times)
اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ (Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!)
God is Great! God is Great! (2 times)
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ (La ilaha illa Allah)
There is no god except Allah. (1 time)

(For Fajr Prayer add after Hayya ‘ala-l Falah):

الصَّلَاةُ خَيْرٌ مِنَ النَّوْمِ (As-Salatu Khairun Minan-Nawm)
Prayer is better than sleep. (2 times)

For the Fajr (pre-dawn) prayer, an additional phrase is recited after Hayya ‘ala-l Falah:
“As-salatu khairun minan-nawm” – “Prayer is better than sleep.”

Difference Between Words of Azan (Adhan) and Iqama

Despite the fact that both Adhan and Iqama are Islamic prayers, they are used to different purposes and are said at different times.

The first call to prayer, which notifies Muslims that it is time to pray, is Adhan (Azan). It is read out in the mosque to welcome worshippers to pray.

The second call to prayer is called Iqama, and it is called in the prayer area before the congregational prayer starts. It is briefer and quicker than the Adhan.

Key differences include:

Timing: Adhan is said when the prayer time comes in; Iqama is said just before the actual Salah begins.

Place Adhan is commonly referred to as the minaret or mosque Iqama is referred to within the congregation that has been gathered.

Word Variation Iqama has some other phrases such as Qad qamatis-sala (Prayer has started) that is not present in the Adhan.

Concisely Adhan is an invitation to pray and Iqama is the beginning of the Salah of the congregation.

Meaning and Importance of the Adhan

The Words of Azan (Adhan) meaning is more than words. It reminds Muslims that God (Allah) is the greatest.
It calls people to worship, to gather, and to stop their work or play for Salah.
It helps strengthen faith: saying “I bear witness there is no god but Allah” and “Muhammad is His messenger.”
The call to prayer (or call to Azan) is a very holy part of daily life in Islam. It shows unity and discipline.

The Role of the Muezzin

The Muezzin is the person responsible for delivering the Adhan (Azan), the Islamic call to prayer.
He announces the Words of Azan (Adhan) with a clear and melodious voice to invite Muslims to prayer.
The Muezzin must be in a state of wudu (ritual purity) and face the Qiblah while calling the Adhan.
He also gives the Iqama, the second call before the congregational prayer begins.
The Muezzin acts as a spiritual reminder of faith, unity, and devotion for the community.
By reciting the Adhan sincerely and correctly, the Muezzin fulfills an honorable and highly respected duty in Islam.

How to Recite the Adhan Correctly

Here are simple steps to recite the Adhan well:

Be in a state of wudu (ritual purity).
Stand facing the Qiblah (direction of prayer).
Call the Adhan (Azan) in a clear and melodious voice.
Pronounce the Words of Azan (Adhan) correctly in Arabic.
Pause briefly after each phrase to make it clear and impactful.
Recite with humility, sincerity, and respect.
In the Fajr Adhan, add “As-salatu khairun minan-nawm” (Prayer is better than sleep) after “Hayya ‘ala-l Falah.”
Keep your intention pure to maintain the spiritual essence of the call to prayer.

History of Adhan

The ritual of Words of Azan (Adhan) (call to prayer) started according to the Hadiths when Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and his companions moved to Medina. They constructed the earliest mosque in Islamic history to conduct congregational prayers every day and in compliance with Islamic astronomic rules. But a question arose that was of great importance, how were the believers to be called to prayer, and what was the signal to bring them together?

In the ancient cultures, bells, horns or fires were used by various religious groups to call people to worship. It was at this period that Abdullah bin Zaid (May Allah be pleased with him) came to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with a dream that he had seen a man proposing a certain call to prayer. Amazingly, Umar ibn Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) also said that he had a similar dream. In his vision, an angel suggested that the most effective and powerful means of calling people to prayer would be the human voice a voice that would resonate in hearts and bring devotion. Upon which Umar said what was afterwards to be called the Adhan (call to prayer).

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) therefore ordered Bilal (May Allah be pleased with him), one of his close companions and a former slave, to read the Adhan (call to prayer) as it was revealed to Abdullah bin Zaid and Umar ibn Al-Khattab in their dreams. Imam Ghazali said that there were other ten companions who had had similar dreams of the prayer call. This is a historical event that Shabir brings out here to show that the Adhan (call to prayer) was not only the source of the Adhan but also its spiritual significance in bringing the Muslim community together to worship.

History of the Muezzin

The Muezzin came into existence according to Hadith, in the era of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). When Abdullah bin Zaid and Umar ibn Al Khattab (May Allah be pleased with them) told Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) about their dreams of the Adhan (call to prayer) he accepted the words and immediately asked Bilal (RA) to learn and recite them. Bilal was thus the first Muezzin in Islam who was selected due to his good clear and beautiful voice. This was the start of the noble role of the Muezzin whose task is to invite believers to pray.

Frequently Asked Questions

So what is Azan (Adhan)?

The Azan (Adhan) is the call of prayer in Islam which tells about the hour of Salah and calls the Muslims to serve Allah.

Who gives the Azan (Adhan)

The Muezzin who is the person designated in the mosque to call the Muslims to prayer reads the Azan (Adhan).

The number of times the Azan (Adhan) is called per day is how many.

The Azan (Adhan) is uttered five times a day preceding each mandatory prayer (Salah).

What is Azan (Adhan) and Iqama.

The Salah preceding Azan (Adhan) is the initial Salat call prayer before the Salah and Iqama is the second Salat call that proclaims the commencement of the prayer.

Why is Prayer is better than sleep added to the Fajr Azan (Adhan)?

This is a phrase that is inserted only when doing the Fajr (pre-dawn prayer) in order to make sure that one does not sleep, but rather is concentrating on the prayer.

Is it possible to recite Azan (Adhan) in English?

No. The Azan (Adhan) has to be pronounced in the original Arabic version however its meaning can be translated and made into understanding.

Who was the first Muezzin to offer Azan (Adhad)?

The first person to recite Azan (Adhan) was Bilal ibn Rabah (May Allah be pleased with him WaSallam) who was appointed by Prophet Muhammad to recite Azan.

Does it have a special melody (maqam) with which to recite Azan (Adghan)?

Yes, various maqamat (melodies) are employed by different Islamic cultures in reciting Azan (Adhan) so that it became more soulful and beautiful.

What is the significance of Azan (Adhan) in Islam?

Azan (Adhan) is used as a reminder of the oneness of Allah and discipline as it calls the believers to their prayers each day.

Are the babies also called in by the Azan (Adhan)?

Yes it is a Su

Conclusion

To sum up, QariQuran.com is committed to bring a passionate love towards Islam through education of the beautiful words of Azan and many more of the necessary Islamic studies. The correct pronunciation and meaning of Azan will surely be attained by you by joining our academy, not to mention that you will also learn about the Quran, Hadith and Islamic manners under the guidance of our instructors who are experts in the field. Make the first step towards enhancing your faith and come with us today and QariQuran.com in order to enrich your spiritual life.

islamic knowludge

Words of Azan (Adhan) – Unlock the Spiritual Message