The Book of the Adhan (The Call to Prayer)

Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 674

Hadith Text

"We were with the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) and Bilal stood up and gave the call. When he fell silent the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever says the same as this (what the Mu'adhdhin) with certainty, he will enter Paradise."

Commentary on the Merit of Responding to the Adhan

This noble hadith establishes the immense virtue of repeating after the mu'adhdhin (caller to prayer). The phrase "with certainty" (yaqīnan) indicates that one must have firm faith in the meaning of the words, not merely recite them with the tongue. This combines verbal affirmation with heartfelt belief.

The promise of Paradise for this simple yet profound act demonstrates Allah's immense mercy and the elevated status of the Adhan in Islam. It is an invitation to divine success, and responding to it is an affirmation of one's faith and submission.

The Condition of Certainty (Yaqīn)

The scholars emphasize that the great reward is contingent upon "certainty." This means the heart must be present and attuned to the magnificence of the words being repeated. One must reflect on the meanings of the Takbīr (Allahu Akbar), the Tahlīl (La ilaha illa Allah), and the testimony of the Messengership.

This is not a mere ritualistic repetition; it is an act of worship that renews one's core beliefs with every call to prayer, solidifying the foundations of Tawhid in the heart of the believer.

Practical Implementation

The Sunnah is to repeat exactly what the mu'adhdhin says, except for the two phrases "Hayya 'ala-s-Salah" and "Hayya 'ala-l-Falah." Upon hearing these, the response is "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" (There is no power nor strength except with Allah).

After the Adhan is complete, one should send blessings upon the Prophet (ﷺ) and then recite the specific supplication taught for this occasion: "Allahumma Rabba hathihi-d-da'wati-t-tammati..." asking Allah to grant the Prophet (ﷺ) al-Wasilah and al-Fadilah.