One of the questions that arose after the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ migrated to Madinah was how Muslims should be called to the five daily prayers.
The Muslims gathered regularly for prayer, but there was no established way of informing everyone that the time for salah had arrived. Some Companions suggested using a bell, similar to the Christians. Others proposed blowing a horn, as was done by the Jews. These suggestions were discussed, but the Prophet ﷺ did not approve any of them.
One night, a Companion named Abdullah ibn Zayd (RA) had a dream. In the dream, he saw a man carrying a bell and asked if he could buy it to call people to prayer.
The man replied, “Shall I not show you something better than that?”
He then taught Abdullah the words of the Adhan:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar…
When Abdullah woke up, he immediately went to the Prophet ﷺ and narrated his dream.
The Prophet ﷺ listened carefully and said:
“It is a true dream, if Allah wills.”
He then instructed Abdullah to teach the words to Bilal ibn Rabah (RA) because Bilal had a stronger and more powerful voice.
Bilal climbed to a high place and called out the Adhan for the first time in the history of Islam. His voice echoed through the streets of Madinah, inviting the believers to success and reminding them that worship of Allah takes priority over everything else.
As Bilal was calling the Adhan, another Companion, Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), hurried to the Prophet ﷺ and said that he had seen the very same dream. The Prophet ﷺ praised Allah, as this served as further confirmation.
Since that day, the Adhan has remained one of the greatest symbols of Islam. Every day, in every part of the world, Muslims hear the same words calling them to prayer. Regardless of language, nationality, or culture, the Adhan unites the Ummah with one message: worship Allah alone.
Sadly, many people hear the Adhan today but continue with their conversations, shopping, work, or entertainment without responding to its call.
The Adhan is not merely an announcement that prayer time has entered. It is an invitation from Allah. Every “Hayya ‘ala-s-Salah” (Come to prayer) is a reminder that nothing is more important than standing before our Creator.
As we reflect on this Jumu’ah, let us ask ourselves:
- What is my usual response when I hear the Adhan?
- Do I see it as a routine sound, or as a personal invitation from Allah?
- Am I eager to answer the call to prayer, especially in the mosque when I am able?
Responding to the Adhan with sincerity is one of the simple acts that strengthens our connection with Allah and keeps our hearts attached to the prayer.
May Allah make us among those who hear the call to prayer and respond promptly, sincerely, and consistently. Ameen.
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