Correct Response to “al-Ṣalātu Khayrun mina’l-Nawm” in Fajr Adhān
Source: Aḥkām wa Masā’il – Discussion on Ṣalāh, Volume 1, Page 121
❖ Question
What should be said in response to the words “al-Ṣalātu khayrun mina’l-nawm” during the Fajr Adhān?
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd!
When the muʾadhdhin says in the Fajr Adhān:
“al-Ṣalātu khayrun mina’l-nawm” (Prayer is better than sleep),
the listener should also reply with the same words:
“al-Ṣalātu khayrun mina’l-nawm.”
◈ Evidence
This follows the general rule for Adhān responses:
When the muʾadhdhin says:
“Ashhadu an lā ilāha illā Allāh”
the listener repeats:
“Ashhadu an lā ilāha illā Allāh.”
The Prophet ﷺ commanded:
«إِذَا سَمِعْتُمُ الْمُؤَذِّنَ فَقُولُوا مِثْلَ مَا يَقُولُ»
"When you hear the muʾadhdhin, say what he says."
(Ṣaḥīḥ ḥadīth)
◈ Exceptions
The only exceptions are:
- For ḥayya ʿala’l-ṣalāh and ḥayya ʿala’l-falāḥ, the response is:
“Lā ḥawla wa-lā quwwata illā billāh.”
This is supported by specific authentic narrations.
◈ Not Established
As for replying with:
“Ṣadaqta wa bararta wa bil-ḥaqqi naṭaqta”
("You have spoken the truth, acted rightly, and spoken with justice"),
this is not proven from the Prophet ﷺ — not by word, action, or tacit approval.
Conclusion:The correct response to “al-Ṣalātu khayrun mina’l-nawm” is to repeat the same words, following the command of the Prophet ﷺ to say what the muʾadhdhin says.
"ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب"
