"When the Muslims arrived in Al-Madinah they used to gather and try to figure out the time for prayer, and no one gave the call to prayer. One day they spoke about that; some of them said: 'Let us use a bell like the Christians do;' others said, 'No, a horn like the Jews have.' 'Umar, may ,Allah be pleased with him, said: 'Why don't you send a man to announce the time of prayer?' The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) said: 'O Bilal, get up and give the call to prayer.'"
The Book of the Adhan (The Call to Prayer)
Sunan an-Nasa'i 626
Historical Context of the Adhan
This narration describes the blessed moment when the Adhan was legislated in Medina after the Hijrah. The Muslims faced difficulty in determining prayer times collectively, demonstrating the wisdom behind establishing a unified call.
The companions' discussion about adopting foreign practices shows their sincere concern for the community, while 'Umar's suggestion displayed his characteristic wisdom and understanding of Islamic principles.
Divine Rejection of Imitation
The rejection of both the Christian bell (naqūs) and Jewish horn (shofar) establishes the important Islamic principle of avoiding imitation of non-Muslim religious practices. This preserves the unique identity of the Muslim Ummah.
Allah in His wisdom ordained a distinct method of calling to prayer that would become the characteristic sound of Islamic civilization across centuries and continents.
The Choice of Bilal (RA)
The Prophet's immediate appointment of Bilal ibn Rabah as the first mu'adhdhin carries profound significance. Bilal was among the earliest converts to Islam and endured severe persecution for his faith.
This honor given to a former Abyssinian slave demonstrates Islam's rejection of racial and social hierarchies, establishing that piety alone determines nobility before Allah.
Spiritual Significance
The Adhan serves as a public declaration of Tawhid and the Messengership of Muhammad (SAW). Its words contain the fundamental articles of Islamic faith, repeated five times daily.
Scholars note that the Adban not only announces prayer times but also continuously reminds communities of Islamic creed and invites people to success through worship.