Azan: Azan has a special significance in Islam. The word that all Muslims who follow Islam say loudly to offer Namaz five times a day is called Azan. In many countries, Azan is also called Adan. When Azan is being given in mosques, the person who calls Muslims towards the mosque is called ‘Muazzin’.
In simple words, ‘Muezzin’ means a person appointed in a mosque who calls the worshippers for prayer by giving Azan before the prayer to Allah.
Beginning of the adhan
The story of the beginning of Azan in Islam is quite interesting. When a mosque was built for Namaaz in Mecca-Madina, an important thing was felt that how to convey the information of the time of Jamaat (praying together) to the people. When Rasulullah put this idea in front of Sahaba Ikram, 4 proposals came out.
- The flag should be hoisted whenever namaz is to be offered.
- A fire should be lit at some high place.
- Like the Jews, people should be informed by blowing the trumpet.
- Like Christians, information should be given by ringing a bell.
All these proposals were rejected by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) because they were similar to non-Muslims. Prophet Muhammad and his companions were very worried about this problem when on the same night an Ansari companion named Prophet Abdullah bin Zaid had a dream in which the angels told him about the adhan. The next morning Prophet Abdullah told all this to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and he liked this method. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) called it a true dream of Allah.
After this, Hazrat Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam instructed Hazrat Bin Zaid to teach the words of Azan to Hazrat Bilal. Hazrat Bilal had a very heavy voice, so he started giving Azan for the five times prayers. Hence, from that day onwards the tradition of Azan started and Hazrat Bilal Raziallahu Anhu became the first person to give Azan in Islam.
Meaning of Azaan
| Allahu Akbar (4 times) | Meaning- Allah you are the greatest. |
| Ash-hadu alla-ilaha illallah (2 times) | Meaning- I testify that no one is worthy of worship except Allah. |
| Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadar Rasulullah (2 times) | Meaning- I testify that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the messenger of Allah |
| Hayy ‘al-Salah (2 times) | Meaning: Come let’s pray |
| Hayy ‘alal falah (2 times) | Meaning: Let’s move towards success |
| Assalatu khairum minan naum (2 times) | Meaning- Prayer is better than sleep |
| Allahu Akbar (2 times) | Meaning- Allah is the greatest |
| La ilaha illallah (1 time) | Meaning- No one is worthy of worship except Allah. |
Also read –What is the secret of the 8 doors of heaven in Islam, who can go there?
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