AẔĀN (اذان)
Definition and Etymology
AẔĀN (Arabic: أَذَان, Turkish: Ezan) is an Arabic term that literally means “announcement” or “call.” It specifically refers to the Islamic call to public prayers, announced by a designated caller known as the Muʾaẕẕin or crier.
The Adhan Text
The formula of the Adhan, as proclaimed in Arabic, is as follows:
1الله اكبر — الله اكبر — الله اكبر — الله اكبر —
2اشهد ان لا اله الا الله — اشهد ان لا اله الا الله —
3اشهد ان محمدا رسول الله — اشهد ان محمدا رسول الله —
4حى على الصلوة — حى على الصلوة —
5حى على الفلاح — حى على الفلاح —
6الله اكبر — الله اكبر —
7لا اله الا الله.
Transliteration:
- Allāhu akbar! Allāhu akbar!
- Ashhadu an lā ilāha illa ʾllāh!
- Ashhadu anna Muḥammadan rasūlu-llāh!
- Ḥayya ʿala ṣ-ṣalāti!
- Ḥayya ʿala-l-falāḥ!
- Allāhu akbar!
- Lā ilāha illa ʾllāh!
Translation:
- “God is most great! God is most great!”
- “I testify that there is no god but God!”
- “I testify that Muhammad is the Apostle of God!”
- “Come to prayer! Come to prayer!”
- “Come to salvation! Come to salvation!”
- “God is most great!”
- “There is no god but God!”
Variations in the Adhan
The Adhan in the early morning (Fajr) includes an additional phrase:
- الصلوة خير من النوم (Aṣ-ṣalātu k͟hairun mina ʾn-naumi) — “Prayer is better than sleep!”
In the Shia tradition, they add:
- حى على خير العمل (Ḥayya ʿalā k͟hairi ʾl-ʿamali) — “Come to the best of works!”
Historical and Cultural Context
The Adhan was established as part of the formal practice of calling Muslims to prayer after deliberations on suitable methods. Islamic tradition narrates that the idea originated from a dream experienced by ʿAbdu ʾllāh, a Khazrajite. The utterance was approved by Muhammad after he found the use of Jewish trumpets or Christian bells unsuitable.
The Role of the Muʾaẕẕin
The Muʾaẕẕin is a respected figure who calls the Adhan. This duty requires a person of Islam faith who must be spiritually pure at the time of recitation. It is often conducted from a minaret in larger mosques or the side of the mosque building in smaller ones. Muʾaẕẕins typically place their forefingers in their ears and face the Qiblah (the Kaaba in Mecca) while proclaiming the Adhan.
Comparative Observations
There is a noteworthy cultural variance in how the Adhan is practiced within the Muslim world. For instance, while the Adhan in Cairo is known for its melodious delivery, those in places like Bukhara prefer a straightforward, non-melodic proclamation.
Reverence and Response
Listening to the Adhan is an act of reverence. It is customary for Muslims to respond to each phrase of the Adhan with specific replies, such as repeating the initial Takbir (“Allāhu akbar”) and other declarations of faith.
Further Studies and Reading
For a deeper understanding, readers may explore:
- “Modern Egyptians” by Edward William Lane
- “The Call to Prayer (Adhan) in Islam” by Joseph-Sayyid
- “Islamic Rituals and Practices” by Ignaz Goldziher
- “Islam: A Comprehensive Introduction” by Hasan Rahim
Takeaways
- AẔĀN is an essential element of daily Islamic worship, performed five times daily.
- The differences in the Adhan between Sunni and Shia traditions highlight the cultural diversity within Islam.
- The institution of the Adhan serves not merely as a call to worship but as a marker of community identity and spirituality.
Conclusion
The Adhan is an integral component of Islamic tradition, blending spirituality with community practice. It reflects both a historical continuity and a dynamic cultural practice that spans through varying Muslim communities worldwide.
This detailed entry provides insight into the profound significance of the Adhan and its multifaceted role in Islamic life.
