Hadith on Responding to Adhan
① Repeating the Words of the Mu'adhin
Narrated by Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (رضي الله عنه):The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"When you hear the Adhan, say the same as the Mu'adhin says."
(Reported by all major Hadith compilers: Bukhari: 611, Muslim: 383)
② Responding to Specific Phrases in Adhan
Narrated by Isa bin Talha (رضي الله عنه):He said: I heard Mu'awiyah (رضي الله عنه) narrating that he heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying:
"When the Mu'adhin says 'Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah,' you should also say 'Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah.'
When he says 'Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah,' you should also say 'Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah.'
Then remain silent."
(Reported by Abu Awanah in his Sahih and An-Nasa'i.)
- Authentication: This Hadith is Sahih (authentic).
- Sources: Musnad Abu Awanah: 1/337, Bukhari: 612, 613
③ What to Say for ‘Hayya ‘ala as-Salah’ and ‘Hayya ‘ala al-Falah’
Narrated by Umar bin Al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه):The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
"When the Mu'adhin says 'Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,' let everyone repeat 'Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar.'
When he says 'Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah,' respond with 'Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah.'
When he says 'Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah,' respond with 'Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah.'
When he says 'Hayya ‘ala as-Salah,' say 'La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.'
When he says 'Hayya ‘ala al-Falah,' say 'La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.'
When he says 'Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,' repeat 'Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar.'
And when he says 'La ilaha illa Allah,' respond with 'La ilaha illa Allah' from the heart, and you will enter Paradise."
(Reported by Muslim: 385)
Key Lessons from the Hadith
➊ The Obligation of Responding to Adhan
- Every Muslim who hears the Adhan should respond by repeating the same words as the Mu'adhin.
- This is an emphasized Sunnah (Sunnah Mu'akkadah).
➋ The Proper Response for Each Part of the Adhan
- For "Allahu Akbar" → Repeat "Allahu Akbar."
- For "Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah" → Repeat "Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah."
- For "Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah" → Repeat "Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah."
- For "Hayya ‘ala as-Salah" → Say "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah."
- For "Hayya ‘ala al-Falah" → Say "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah."
- For "La ilaha illa Allah" → Repeat it from the heart, as it leads to Paradise.
➌ Remaining Silent When Necessary
- After responding to testimonies of faith, the listener should remain silent as mentioned in the narration of Mu'awiyah (رضي الله عنه).
➍ The Virtue of Saying ‘La ilaha illa Allah’ from the Heart
- The one who sincerely says 'La ilaha illa Allah' from the heart while responding to Adhan is guaranteed entry into Paradise.
➎ The Power of 'La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah'
- The phrase "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" (There is no power or might except with Allah) expresses reliance on Allah and is a means of spiritual strength.
Conclusion
Responding to the Adhan is an essential Sunnah that holds great rewards. By following the Prophetic guidance, one can earn the pleasure of Allah and entry into Paradise.
[This content is derived from the book Diya-ul-Islam Fi Sharh al-Ilmam Bi Ahadith al-Ahkam by Sheikh Taqi al-Din Abi al-Fath, translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar.]