The people mentioned the fire and the bell (they suggested those as signals to indicate the starting of prayers), and by that they mentioned the Jews and the Christians. Then Bilal was ordered to pronounce Adhan for the prayer by saying its wordings twice, and for the Iqama (the call for the actual standing for the prayers in rows) by saying its wordings once. (Iqama is pronounced when the people are ready for the prayer).
Historical Context of the Adhaan
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 603 reveals the divine wisdom behind the institution of the Adhaan. When the early Muslims in Medina sought a method to call believers to prayer, they initially considered using fire signals or bells - practices associated with Zoroastrians and Christians respectively. Allah in His wisdom prescribed a unique Islamic method to distinguish the Muslim community.
Scholarly Commentary on the Wording
The command for Bilal (RA) to pronounce the Adhaan with each phrase twice demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the call. Each "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is Greatest) resonates twice to emphasize divine majesty. The twin testimony of faith "Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah" and "Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah" repeated twice establishes firm conviction in the hearts of listeners.
The Iqama being recited once signifies the transition from invitation to immediate action. While Adhaan calls from afar, Iqama is the final summons for those already present in the mosque to straighten their rows and focus their hearts.
Spiritual Significance
This divinely-inspired method preserves the unique identity of the Muslim Ummah. Unlike other religious communities, Muslims are called by the human voice proclaiming Allah's greatness and the testimony of faith. The Adhaan serves as a public declaration of Islamic beliefs five times daily, reinforcing Tawheed in society.
The choice of Bilal (RA), a former African slave, as the first mu'adhdhin demonstrates Islam's revolutionary meritocracy - where piety, not lineage, determines honor before Allah.