The Origins of the Adhan: How Prophet Muhammad Established the Call to Prayer
Early methods for announcing prayer times involved simple calls like “To prayer! To prayer!” However, a more structured and beautiful system – the Adhan – was later revealed. This article explores how Prophet Muhammad established the call to prayer.
The Consultation Process in Determining the Adhan
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) consulted with his companions regarding how best to announce the time for prayer. Some suggested raising a banner when prayer time arrived, allowing Muslims to inform one another. However, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not approve of this suggestion.
Others proposed imitating Jewish trumpets, which he rejected, saying: “This is an instrument of the Jews.” The idea of ringing bells was also mentioned, but the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied: “That too is a practice of the Christians.”
Abdullah bin Zayd then departed, and while in a state between sleep and wakefulness, he was granted a vision of the Adhan. He immediately went to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and said: “I received a revelation while between sleep and wakefulness, instructing me about the Adhan.” Hazrat Umar also experienced this same dream.
Upon learning this, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded: “O Bilal, rise and implement what Abdullah bin Zayd has described!” Bilal then recited the Adhan exactly as instructed by Abdullah. (Abu Dawud, Salat, 27/498)
Lessons from the Establishment of the Adhan
- The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught the importance of avoiding resemblance to non-Muslims in any matter and protecting Islamic identity from imitation.
- He entrusted the recitation of the Adhan not to the dreamer, but to Bilal, known for his powerful voice – demonstrating the importance of competence when assigning responsibilities.
- The Adhan should be recited by individuals with beautiful voices and proper training.
Throughout history, there are numerous accounts of people embracing Islam after hearing the soul-stirring call to prayer. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would sometimes say: “O Bilal! Recite an Adhan so that we may find tranquility.” (Abu Dawud, Adab, 78)