The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: When the Mu'adhdhin says: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and one of you should make this response: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest; (and when the Mu'adhdhin) says: I testify that there is no god but Allah, one should respond: I testify that there is no god but Allah, and when he says: I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, one should make a response: I testify that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger. When he (the Mu'adhdhin) says: Come to prayer, one should make a response: There is no might and no power except with Allah. When he (the Mu'adhdhin) says: Come to salvation, one should respond: There is no might and no power except with Allah, and when he (the Mu'adhdhin) says: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, then make a response: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. When he (the Mu'adhdhin) says: There is no god but Allah, and he who makes a re- sponse from the heart: There is no god but Allah, he will enter Paradise.
The Book of Prayers - Sahih Muslim 385
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim establishes the proper etiquette for responding to the call to prayer (adhan). The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) meticulously prescribed specific responses to each phrase of the adhan, transforming it from a mere announcement into a profound spiritual dialogue between the believer and the Divine.
Commentary on the Responses
When the mu'adhdhin proclaims "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest), the listener affirms this ultimate truth by repeating the same phrase. This mutual declaration establishes the foundational principle of Islamic theology - Allah's absolute supremacy over all creation.
The testimony of faith (shahadah) receives particular emphasis. When the mu'adhdhin declares the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad, the respondent echoes these fundamental beliefs, thereby renewing their covenant with Allah and reinforcing their Islamic identity.
Spiritual Significance of "Hayya 'ala-s-Salah"
The response to "Come to prayer" differs notably. Rather than merely repeating the call, the believer affirms "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" (There is no might and no power except with Allah). Scholars explain this teaches humility - recognizing that our ability to pray comes not from ourselves but through Divine enablement.
The Promise of Paradise
The hadith concludes with a magnificent promise: whoever testifies "There is no god but Allah" with sincere conviction from the heart will enter Paradise. This underscores that mere verbal repetition is insufficient; true faith must penetrate the heart and manifest in righteous actions.
Legal Rulings and Benefits
Scholars classify responding to the adhan as a highly recommended sunnah (mustahabb). The responses should be made quietly, except for the shahadah phrases which may be said aloud. This practice prepares the heart for prayer, increases spiritual rewards, and serves as constant reminder of our ultimate purpose in life - worship of the One True God.