[Chapter: The Adhan]

The Adhan is an announcement of the time of prayer. The linguistic root for the Adhan is an announcement (i'lam). Allah, the Almighty, says: "And an announcement from Allah and His Messenger" (30), meaning: an announcement; and: "I have announced to you all equally" (31), meaning (32): I have informed you, so we are equal in knowledge. Al-Harith ibn Hillizah (33) said:

Asma' has announced our separation... Many a dweller is one of whom dwelling becomes tiresome (34).

Meaning: She has informed us.

The ritual Adhan is the known phrase legislated during the times of the prayers to announce their time. There is much merit and great reward in it, based on the evidence of what Abu Hurayrah narrated, that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "If people knew what was in the call and the first row, then found no way other than to draw lots for it, they would draw lots for it." Abu Sa'id al-Khudri said: "If you are with your sheep or in your desert and you call for prayer, raise your voice with the call, for no jinn, human, or anything hears the voice of the mu'adhdhin except that it will bear witness for him on the Day of Resurrection." Abu Sa'id said: I heard it from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Both are reported by al-Bukhari (35). From Mu'awiyah, he said: