When the Muazzin says: ‘As-salatu Khayrun minan-nawm’ (prayer is better than sleep) in Azan for the Fajr prayer, we should response: ‘Sadakta wa Bararta’ (you have spoken the truth and done a good deed). When he (the Muazzin) says ‘La Ilaha Illallah (there is no god but Allah), one should say like the Muazzin, he will enter Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim). Narrated Umar (Ra.) that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: “When the Muazzin says ‘Allahu Akbar’, one should repeat ‘Allahu Akbar’, When he (the Muazzin) says ‘Haiya Alassalah’ & ‘Haiya Alal Falah’ (come for the prayer), one should make a response: ‘La hawla wala quwata illa billah (there is neither might nor any power except Allah)’ and when he (the Muazzin) says ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Allah is the Greatest), then make a response: ‘Allahu Akbar’. What to say when you hear the Azan? According to the Sunnah, while the Azan is being invoked, one should listen attentively to it and repeat every line silently after the Muazzin. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (Ra.) narrated that Allah's Messenger (Pbuh) said, “Whenever you hear the Azan, say what the Muazzin (caller) is saying.” (Sahih Bukhari & Muslim). Secondly, one should respond to Azan by taking part in prayers.
Firstly, one should reply to the words what the Muazzin speaks out. One who listens to the words of Azan should respond to it. Responding to Azan on the part of the hearer is Wajeb (binding). This is an appeal from an individual (Muazzin) to the soul of humanity for turning to Allah, the Almighty, to follow the lead of the Prophet (Pbuh) and to come to partake in the spiritual feast for spiritual progress and nourishment of the soul. It is a vital part of the Islamic culture that comes out in this world spontaneously in loud and sweet melodious voice from thousands of minarets. Rather its significance is very deep in Islam. It is called out by the Muazzin (a person who invokes Azan) from the mosque for mandatory prayers (salat).Īlthough, Azan consists of a few words, it is not a mere ringing of the bell or a meaningless blowing of horns. Azan is a public call to prayer (salat) which is invoked before prayer. Prayer is one of the most important parts of the human life. The main pillar stipulates that Muslims should pray. The foundation of Islam is laid on five pillars.