"I heard the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) say: 'When you hear the Mu'adhdhin then say what he says, and do Salah upon me, for whoever does Salah upon me once, Allah will Salah upon him ten (times). Then ask Allah to grant me Al-Wasilah, which is a position in paradise which only one of the slaves of Allah will attain, and I hope that I will be the one. Whoever asks for Al-Wasilah for me, will be entitled to my intercession.'"
The Excellence of Responding to the Adhan
This hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i 678 establishes three distinct spiritual practices when hearing the call to prayer: repeating after the mu'adhdhin, sending blessings upon the Prophet, and seeking al-Wasilah for him.
Repeating After the Mu'adhdhin
Scholars explain that echoing the mu'adhdhin's words affirms the testimony of faith and prepares the heart for prayer. This practice connects the believer directly to the divine call, transforming passive hearing into active participation in worship.
The only exception scholars note is during the phrase "Hayya 'ala-salah" and "Hayya 'ala-l-falah" where one responds "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" (There is no power nor strength except with Allah).
The Merit of Sending Blessings
The command to send salah upon the Prophet carries immense reward - ten divine blessings for each single invocation. Classical commentators explain that Allah's "salah" upon a servant signifies His mercy, praise, and elevation of spiritual stations.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes this multiplication of reward demonstrates Allah's boundless generosity and the special status of the Prophet in divine economy.
The Station of Al-Wasilah
Al-Wasilah represents the highest rank in Paradise, reserved for one individual among all creation. Scholars describe it as the closest proximity to the Divine Throne.
The Prophet's instruction to seek this station for him, coupled with his hope to attain it, indicates both his humility and the certainty of his unique status. The promise of intercession for those who comply demonstrates the reciprocal nature of this spiritual relationship.
Legal Ruling and Implementation
The majority of scholars consider responding to the adhan in this manner to be a confirmed sunnah (sunnah mu'akkadah). Some early scholars regarded it as obligatory (wajib) given the emphatic command.
This practice transforms the daily adhan from a mere announcement into an interactive spiritual exercise with multiple dimensions of reward and connection to the Prophet.