The Athan and Iqamah — The Call to Prayer in Islam
The Athan (Adhan/أذان) is the Islamic call to prayer announced five times daily to invite Muslims to perform Salah. The Iqamah (إقامة) is the second, shorter call given immediately before the congregation begins praying. Both are among the most recognized sounds in the Muslim world and carry immense spiritual significance.
Who Was the First Muadhin (Caller to Prayer)?
The first person appointed to give the Athan was Bilal ibn Rabah (may Allah be pleased with him), a freed Abyssinian slave and one of the most beloved Companions of the Prophet ﷺ. His voice was described as extraordinarily beautiful. The Prophet ﷺ said about him: "I heard the sound of your sandals in Paradise." (Bukhari, Muslim).
The Virtue of the Athan
The Prophet ﷺ said: "If the people knew the reward for the Athan and the first row (in prayer), and they could not get it except by drawing lots, they would draw lots for it." (Bukhari). Reciting the Athan is considered an act of great worship, and responding to it with the correct phrases earns significant reward.
Responding to the Athan
Every Muslim who hears the Athan should repeat each phrase after the Muadhin, with specific variations for "Hayya alas-Salah" and "Hayya alal-Falah." After the Athan is complete, recite the Dua after Athan to earn the Prophet's ﷺ intercession on the Day of Judgment.