Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … From these narrations, it is understood that before the appearance of dawn (fajr), that is, during the night, the call to prayer (adhan) was given by Sayyiduna Bilal radi Allahu anhu, and after the appearance of dawn, the adhan was given by Sayyiduna Ibn Umm Maktum radi Allahu anhu. However, these turns would also be exchanged at times, and sometimes Sayyiduna Bilal radi Allahu anhu would give the adhan after the appearance of dawn. In the blessed era of the Noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, even before the adhan of the Fajr prayer, another adhan would be given. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam himself explained the purpose of this adhan: that those who are standing (in prayer or worship) should conclude, and those who are sleeping should wake up. In any case, there should be such an interval between these two adhans that arranging the pre-dawn meal (suhoor) can be done with ease. As Sayyiduna Anas radi Allahu anhu narrates, after the adhan of Sayyiduna Bilal radi Allahu anhu had been given, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: “O Anas! I intend to fast, feed me something.” So I brought dates and water in a vessel. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: “Anas! Find someone who will eat with me.” I went and brought Sayyiduna Zayd bin Thabit radi Allahu anhu. He came and said: “I have drunk sattu (barley drink) and I intend to fast.” The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: “I also intend to fast.” Then the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam took the pre-dawn meal (suhoor), then stood up and prayed two rak‘ahs, and then went for the prayer. (Nasa’i: 2167) This incident is regarding a voluntary (nafl) fast. From this, it is understood that the adhan was given at the time of suhoor even outside of Ramadan; it is not exclusive to Ramadan.