✍ Authored by: Hafiz Zubair Ali Zai (رحمه الله)
❖ The Question
Is there any authentic or weak narration regarding facing the Qiblah while giving the Adhan?
(Asked by: Naseer Ahmad Kashif)
❖ The Response
Narration of Mu’adh ibn Jabal (رضي الله عنه):
Abdullah ibn Zayd (رضي الله عنه) informed the Prophet ﷺ that he saw in a state between sleep and wakefulness, a man dressed in two green garments, standing and giving the Adhan while facing the Qiblah.
(*Reported by al-Bayhaqi in Sunan al-Kubra, 1/391 – classified as Mursal)
➡ This narration is weak, as ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Layla did not meet Mu’adh ibn Jabal (رضي الله عنه).
A shorter version of this narration is also found in Sunan Abi Dawud (506), but it does not mention facing the Qiblah, and the narrators identified as “our companions” (Ashabuna) are unknown. This version too is weak due to the chain involving ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Layla from Mu’adh.
❖ Another Reference Indicated by Imam Ibn al-Mundhir
A narration from Sa’d al-Qaraz (رضي الله عنه) states:
“Indeed, Bilal (رضي الله عنه) would face the Qiblah when saying the Takbir during the Adhan.”
(Al-Mu‘jam al-Kabir by al-Tabarani, Hadith 5438, vol. 396)
➡ This narration is weak:
- ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn ‘Ammar ibn Sa’d al-Mu’adhdhin is weak.
- ‘Ammar ibn Sa’d is majhul al-haal (unknown status).
Ibn al-Mundhir has also indicated the weakness of both these narrations.
❖ Scholarly Consensus
Imam Ibn al-Mundhir (رحمه الله) states:
“The scholars are unanimously agreed that it is Sunnah to face the Qiblah when giving the Adhan.”
(Al-Awsat, 3/28)
He further states:
“There is consensus (Ijma‘) that one should face the Qiblah while giving the Adhan.”
(*Al-Ijma‘, p. 7, point no. 39; also see: Mawsu‘at al-Ijma‘ fi al-Fiqh al-Islami, 1/93)
❖ Statements of the Salaf
From ‘Ata ibn Abi Rabah (رحمه الله):
When asked whether one should face the Qiblah while giving the Adhan, he said:
✔ “Yes.”
(Musannaf ‘Abd al-Razzaq, 1/365, Hadith 1802 – Chain is authentic)
From Muhammad ibn Sirin (رحمه الله):
“When the Mu’adhdhin gives the Adhan, he should face the Qiblah.”
(Musannaf ‘Abd al-Razzaq, 1/466, Hadith 1804 – Chain is authentic)
✅ Summary Conclusion
✔ Facing the Qiblah during the Adhan is established through scholarly consensus (Ijma‘).
✔ Though explicit authentic narrations are not present, it is considered Sunnah by unanimous agreement of scholars and affirmed by early authorities of Islam.
Alḥamdulillāh.
