The call to prayer ('Athan and 'Iqamah)

In Arabic, the word 'Athaan' is to call or to inform. Religionsly, it
is a call made to inform people thatthe time of the prayer has
begun.It is obligatory for the congregation in the mosque while for
individuals praying alone at home, for example, it is a highly
preferred act. It begins by proclaiming the greatness andoneness of
Allaah and the denial of disbelief and polytheism, testifying to the
messengership of Muhammad and then calling to a prosperity which is
everlasting, pointing to the return to Allaah.
The 'Iqaamah' is the second and final Call to Prayer and is uttered
immediately before the beginning of the obligatory prayer indicating
that it is actually time to perform the prayer.
Its Story
The 'Athaan' was made part of 'sharee'ah' (Islamic jurisprudence)
during the first year of the Muslims' migration to Madeenah. Before
its legislation, Muslims used to agree about fixed times for
congregational prayers. Even still, they sometimes found it difficult
to remember the exact timings.
One day, The Messenger of Allaah and the Muslims discussed the matter
of calling the people to prayer at the exact time. Somesuggested the
use of a bell like the Christians, others suggested the use of a horn
like the Jews, but 'Umar suggested sendingsomeone to announce the
prayer.
Then Allaah's Messenger agreed to use a bell, but he was not happy to
use it because of its similarity with the Christians.
After the Prophet had ordered a bell to be made so thatit could be
struck to gather the people to Prayer, a companion, Abdullaah Ibn Zayd
Ibn Abd Rabbih said: "I was sleeping when I saw a man carrying a bell
in his hands, and I said: "Slave of Allaah, will you sell this to me?"
When he asked what I would do with it? I replied that we would use it
to call the people to Prayer.He said: "Shall I not guide you to
something better than that?" I replied: "Certainly," he told me tosay
the 'Athaan' (and he told me its wording).
When I told Allaah's Messenger in the morning what I had seen, he
said: "It is a true vision, 'Inshaa'Allaah', so get up along with
Bilaal, and when you have taught him what you have seen, let him use
it in making thecall to Prayer, for he has a stronger voice than you."
So, I got up along with Bilaal and began to teach it to him, and he
used it in making the call to Prayer.
'Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab heard this when he was in his house, and came
out trailing his cloak and said: "Allaah's Messenger, by Him Who has
sent you with the truth, I have seen the same thing (during sleep) as
has been said." To this Allaah's Messenger replied: 'Praise be to
Allaah!'" [Ahmad, At-Tirmithi]
Its Excellence and virtues
Many Prophetic narrations describe the virtues of the 'Athaan' and the
one who calls it.The Prophet said: " If the people knew what was in
the 'Athaan' (of virtues and rewards) and the first row (i.e. the
first linein congregational prayer), and that they could not get it
except by drawing lots, they would drawlots…" [Al-Bukhaari]
The Prophet also said: "Your Lord, the Exalted, says: "Look at my
slave there who makes the call to Prayer and establishes the Prayer
out of fear of Me. I have forgiven My slave and have allowed him to
enter Paradise." [Ahmad, Abu Daawood and An-Nasaa'i]
The Text of the 'Athaan and 'Iqaamah
The text of the 'Athaan':
Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar,
Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar.
Ashhadu allaa ilaaha illallaah,
Ashhadu allaa ilaaha illallaah.
Ashhadu anna Muhammadar-rasoolullaah,
Ashhadu anna Muhammadar-rasoolullaah.
Hayya 'alas-salaah,
Hayya 'alas-salaah.
Hayya 'alal-falaah,
Hayya 'alal-falaah.
Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar.
La ilaaha illallaaah.
(Allaah is the greatest, Allaah is the greatest.
Allaah is the greatest, Allaah is the greatest.
I bear witness that there is no deity (worthy of worship) but Allaah.
I bear witness that there is no deity (worthy of worship) but Allaah.
I bear witness that Muhammad isAllaah's Messenger.
I bear witness that Muhammad isAllaah's Messenger.
Come to the prayer, Come to the prayer.
Come to prosperity, Come to prosperity.
Allaah is the greatest, Allaah is the greatest.
There is no deity (worthy of worship) but Allaah.)
The text of 'Iqaamah':
Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar,
Ashhadu allaa ilaaha illallaah,
Ashhadu anna Muhammadar-rasoolullaah,
Hayya 'alas-salaah,
Hayya 'alal-falaah,
Qad qaamatis-salaah, qad qaamatis-salaah
Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar.
La ilaaha illallaah.
(Allaah is the greatest, Allaah is the greatest.
I bear witness that there is no deity (worthy of worship) but Allaah
I bear witness that Muhammad isAllaah's Messenger.
Come to the prayer, come to prosperity.
Prayer is to begin, prayer is to begin.
Allaah is the greatest, Allaah is the greatest.
There is no deity (worthy of worship) but Allaah.)
As for At-Tathweeb (Saying "Prayer is better than sleep"), it ispart
of the morning 'Athaan' to say twice, 'as-salaatu khayrun minan-nawm
(prayer is better than sleep) after Hayya 'alal-falaah, Hayya
'alal-falaah.
What the Listener says during 'Athaan' and ' Iqaamah
It is preferred that whoever is listening to the 'Athaan' should
repeat it with the caller saying his exact words, except for the two
"hayya 'alas-salaah, hayya 'alal-falaah" phrases, after which he
should say instead "laa hawla wa laa quwwata illaa billaah" (there is
no power or might save with Allaah.)
Everyone who hears the call can repeat it, whether clean or unclean,
in a state of post-sexual uncleanliness or menstruating and so on, as
it is a remembrance(Thikr). Those who can not do so are the ones who
are praying, who are relieving themselves, or are having sexual
intercourse.
As for the 'Iqaamah', it is preferred that the one who hearsit repeats
the words, except "qadqaamatis-salaah."
Supplications after 'Athaan
The Prophet said: "Supplications (offered) in between the (two) calls
for prayer (i.e. Athaan and Iqaamah) will n e ver b e r e j e ct e d."
The companions said: "O Prophet of Allaah! What should w e say?" He
said: "Ask Allaah th e Almighty, to grant pardon (and good health) in
both this life and the her e after."
Allaah's Messenger said: "Any person who, on hearing the Athaan,
supplicates: "Allaahumma rabba haathihid-da'watit-taammati
was-salaatil-qaa'imati, aati Muhammadan al-waseelata wal-fadheelata
wab'ath-hu maqaaman mahmudanal-lathee wa'adtahu. ('O Allaah! Lord of
this complete prayer of ours. By the blessing of it, give Muhammad (
), his eternal rights of intercession, distinction and highest class
(in Paradise). And raise him to the promised rank You have promised
him,' then he will assured of my intercession on theDay of
Judgement.)" [Al-Bukhaari]

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