Call to Prayers (Adhaan)

Sahih al-Bukhari 611

Hadith Text

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Whenever you hear the Adhan, say what the Mu'adh-dhin is saying."

Commentary by Classical Scholars

This noble hadith establishes the sunnah of repeating the words of the adhan upon hearing it. The wisdom behind this repetition is to affirm the testimony of tawhid and the messengership of Muhammad (ﷺ) along with the call to salvation and success.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari explains that this repetition serves as an affirmation of what the mu'adhdhin proclaims and participation in the remembrance of Allah. The listener becomes a partner in reward with the caller.

Al-Nawawi in Sharh Sahih Muslim states that this repetition is mustahabb (recommended) for everyone hearing the adhan, whether in a state of purity or impurity, and whether able to pray immediately or not.

The only exception is when hearing "Hayya 'ala-salah" and "Hayya 'ala-l-falah" where one responds with "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" - acknowledging that all power and ability comes only from Allah.

Spiritual Benefits

Repeating the adhan strengthens faith, increases remembrance of Allah, and prepares the heart for prayer. It serves as a spiritual rehearsal for the actual prayer that follows.

This practice connects the Muslim to the continuous chain of believers who have responded to the call to prayer throughout Islamic history, creating unity across time and space.