who knows his habit of giving the Adhan at night, because Bilal used to do that, as evidenced by the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): "Indeed, Bilal gives the Adhan at night, so eat and drink until Ibn Umm Maktum gives the Adhan." He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also said: "Do not let the Adhan of Bilal prevent you from your suhur, for he gives the Adhan at night to alert your sleeping one and to cause your standing one to return."

Section: It is recommended to give the Adhan at the beginning of the time so that people know and prepare themselves for the prayer. Jabir ibn Samura narrated that Bilal would not delay the Adhan past its time, though he might delay the Iqamah slightly. This was narrated by Ibn Majah. In another narration, he said: Bilal used to give the Adhan when the sun declined—not hastening—and then he would not perform the Iqamah until the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came out. When he came out, he performed the Iqamah as soon as he saw him. This was narrated by Ahmad in the "Musnad".

It is recommended to separate the Adhan and the Iqamah by the duration of performing wudu and praying two rak'ahs, during which time they prepare themselves. In the Maghrib prayer, one should separate them with a brief sitting. It has been narrated from Abu Hanifah and al-Shafi'i that this is not a sunnah for the Maghrib prayer. Our evidence is what [Abdullah ibn] the Imam Ahmad narrated in the "Musnad" from Ubayy ibn Ka'b, who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: