Adhān 101: How to respect the most important call to action of your deen

Of the things that stir the soul of a Muslim – the Adhān is perhaps one of the most transcendent. The beautiful, echoing call reminds us five times a day that it’s time to leave the world behind and turn to the One who created us. Whether you live in a Muslim-majority location where the Adhān rings out from every mosque or hear it faintly on your phone app in a busy, Muslim-minority city, the spiritual weight of those words never changes.

But how often do we stop to think, “Am I observing the right etiquette when I hear the Adhān?” Additionally, what about the muadhin, the one who calls it – what are his responsibilities, and how can we honor this noble role?

In this article, we will explore the etiquettes, or adab, that both the caller and the listener of the Adhān should uphold, supported by verses from The Quran and authentic ahadith. Whether you are giving the Adhān yourself or simply hearing it in a setting, there are rewards to be gained and beauty to be experienced when we treat it with the reverence that it deserves.

Why is the Adhān so important?

The Adhān isn’t just an announcement of the prayer times. In fact, that would be a very superficial way to look at the most important recitation of the Islamic faith that calls you to fulfill one of the 5 pillars of Islam. It is a statement of tawheed – a declaration of your faith – and it is an open invitation to success in both this life and the akhirah. In Surah Fussilat, Allah (SWT) says, “And whose words are better than someone who calls others to Allah, does good, and says, ‘I am truly one of those who submit?’” (The Clear Quran®, 41:33)

Although this verse isn’t limited to the muadhin, many scholars mention that it beautifully includes the one who calls to prayer, because he is literally calling people to Allah (SWT), five times a day. The Prophet (SAW) has also said, “The muadhinun (callers to prayer) will have the longest necks on the Day of Resurrection.” (Sahih Muslim)

Scholars have interpreted this to mean they will be among the most honored, most distinguished people on that Day!

What are the etiquettes for the person giving the Adhān?

Being a muadhin is not a casual task. It is an act of worship and, like all acts of worship in Islam, it must be approached with care, sincerity, and a desire to please Allah (SWT).

1. The purity of your niyyah: Every act begins with your intention, and the Adhān is no different. The muadhin should make the intention to call people to the worship of Allah (SWT), seeking only His pleasure. Not recognition or praise from others. As Allah (SWT) says, “…even though they were only commanded to worship Allah alone with sincere devotion to Him in all uprightness, establish prayer, and pay alms-tax. That is the upright Way.” (The Clear Quran®, 98:5)
2. Always be in a state of wudhu: While it is not fard, it is a highly recommended mustahab act for the muadhin to be in a state of wudhu out of respect for the sacred words he is about to pronounce.
3. Facing the Qiblah: The Sunnah is to face the Qiblah when calling the Adhān, as this was the practice of Bilal ibn Rabah (RA) and was affirmed by the Prophet (SAW).
4. Raising the voice clearly and beautifully: The Prophet (SAW) has said, “When you give the Adhān, raise your voice with it, for no jinn, human, or anything hears the voice of the muadhin except that it will testify for him on the Day of Resurrection.” (Sunan al-Nasa’i). Whether you’re using a microphone in a modern mosque or calling in an open field, clarity and sincerity matter more than volume. And if you’re blessed with a beautiful voice, use it to testify beautify the words. This, too, is part of honoring the call.
5. Turning your head at specific phrases: It is Sunnah to turn the head (not the entire body) to the right when saying, “Hayya alas-Salaah” and then to the left when saying, “Hayya alal-Falah.” This is taken from the practice of Bilal ibn Rabah (RA) as observed by the Prophet (SAW).
6. Space the phrases: Don’t rush. The muadhin should pause briefly between each phrase to allow those listening to repeat after him. This thoughtful delivery reflects the calm dignity of the prayer itself.

Etiquettes for those listening to the Adhān

If you are not the one calling the Adhān, you are still part of that moment, and there are rewards in store for you too. Usually, people continue in conversation or carry on their tasks while they hear the Adhān but, because this is the call of Allah (SWT), it deserves our undivided attention and, if we decide to prioritize other things over our Lord, then we indeed lose out on the rahmah and barakah that it brings.

1. Repeat after the muadhin: The Prophet (SAW) said, “When you hear the muadhin, say what he says.” (Sahih Bukhari) So when you hear, “Allahu Akbar,” then you must also say in your heart, “Allahu Akbar.” When you hear, “Ash hadu an laa ilaaha ilallah,” say the same to yourself and truly mean it. When you hear, “Hayya alas-Salaah,” and “Hayya alal-Falaah,” respond with, “La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.” This response acknowledges that only Allah (SWT) can give us the strength to answer the call and stand in prayer.
2. Send salawat on the Prophet (SAW): After the Adhān, it is Sunnah to send peace and blessings upon the Prophet (SAW), “Allahumma salli ‘aala Muhammad wa’ala aali Muhammad.” The Prophet (SAW) himself has said, “Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send blessings upon him tenfold.” (Sahih Muslim)
3. Make dua after the Adhān: The Prophet (SAW) has also taught us a specific supplication after the Adhān, “O Allah! Lord of this perfect call and the established prayer, grant Muhammad (SAW) the means and virtue, and raise him to the praiseworthy station which You (SWT) have promised him.” (Sahih Bukhari) Whoever recites this dua with sincerity will earn the intercession of the Prophet (SAW) on the Day of Judgment.
4. Avoid distraction and idle talk: The Adhān is not background noise. Regardless of what it may be, stop what you’re doing. Pause the conversation. Turn off the music or television. Pay attention and respond. Just as we wouldn’t ignore a direct invitation from someone important in our lives, we should never be careless at the call to success from Allah (SWT).

The Adhān is a call to awaken your heart before it is too late

Every time the Adhān is called, it is as if Allah (SWT) is calling to us through His servant with the message that we must go to Him – leave the world behind – and find peace, purpose, and real success. It’s a moment of spiritual clarity in the chaos of life. It reorients our heart and soul. It reminds us that prayer isn’t a burden, it’s a relief. And the muadhin, that humble voice we often take for granted, is carrying out one of the most honored jobs in Islam. If you’re ever given the opportunity to call the Adhān, take it, and take it seriously! And if you hear it, even just in passing, remember that voice is calling you to success so don’t let the moment pass.