"When you hear the call to prayer, repeat the words as the Mu'adhdhin says them." — Prophet Muhammad (Sahih al-Bukhari)
: The honor of performing the first Athan was given to Bilal ibn Rabah , a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad who had been a freed Ethiopian slave [5.21]. His strong, clear voice established the tradition of the "Muezzin"—the person who calls the faithful to prayer [5.12, 5.21]. athan azan
In short, whether you spell it or Azan , the call is the same: a living, five-times-a-day invitation to pause the world and turn to the Divine. "When you hear the call to prayer, repeat
The Athan is more than just a call to attend; it is a summary of Islamic belief [5.2]. Below is the standard text used in the Sunni tradition, including its English meaning: Arabic Phrase Transliteration English Translation Repetition Allahu Akbar God is the Greatest 4x [5.5, 5.16] أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah I bear witness that there is no god but Allah 2x [5.5, 5.16] أشهد أن محمداً رسول الله Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah 2x [5.5, 5.16] حي على الصلاة Hayya 'alas-Salah Come to prayer 2x [5.5, 5.16] حي على الفلاح Hayya 'alal-Falah Come to success 2x [5.5, 5.16] الصلاة خير من النوم As-salatu khayrun minan-nawm Prayer is better than sleep (Only for Fajr/Dawn prayer) 2x [5.1, 5.5, 5.9] الله أكبر Allahu Akbar God is the Greatest 2x [5.5, 5.16] لا إله إلا الله La ilaha illallah There is no god but Allah 1x [5.5, 5.16] Cultural & Historical Significance The Athan is more than just a call
The Athan serves multiple purposes: