❖ Answer:
Facing the Qiblah while calling the Adhān and Iqāmah is considered mustaḥabb (recommended) in Islam. It is a generational practice among Muslims and widely observed.
❖ Evidence from Scholars and Consensus:
Although there are two Hadiths related to this matter, both are weak. Despite this, Imām Ibn al-Mundhir (رحمه الله) stated:
"There is consensus (ijmāʿ) that it is Sunnah to face the Qiblah when calling the Adhān."
— al-Ijmāʿ, p. 38
Imām an-Nawawī (رحمه الله) in al-Majmūʿ (3/103) and ʿAllāmah ʿAbd al-Ghanī al-Maqdisī (رحمه الله) in al-Mughnī (1/309) also recorded consensus on this matter.
❖ Practice of the Salaf (Early Generations):
Many from the early generations practiced facing the Qiblah during the Adhān.
For instance, in the presence of Abū Umāmah (رضي الله عنه), a man gave the Adhān while facing the Qiblah.
— Musnad as-Sarāj (Hadith 61), with an authentic chain
❖ Note of Clarification:
The author of al-Hidāyah wrote:
"If one does not face the Qiblah, the Adhān is still valid because its purpose is fulfilled. However, it is disliked (makrūh) due to being against the Sunnah."
— al-Hidāyah (1/86)
However, this view is not in line with the consensus and long-standing tradition. In matters where the Salaf remained silent or unanimous, we should also remain silent and conform. Therefore, intentionally turning away from the Qiblah during the Adhān is not permissible without valid reason.
Conclusion:
Although facing the Qiblah for Adhān and Iqāmah is not obligatory, it is based on consensus, practice of the Salaf, and should not be abandoned without necessity.
Facing the Qiblah while calling the Adhān and Iqāmah is considered mustaḥabb (recommended) in Islam. It is a generational practice among Muslims and widely observed.
❖ Evidence from Scholars and Consensus:
Although there are two Hadiths related to this matter, both are weak. Despite this, Imām Ibn al-Mundhir (رحمه الله) stated:
"There is consensus (ijmāʿ) that it is Sunnah to face the Qiblah when calling the Adhān."
— al-Ijmāʿ, p. 38
Imām an-Nawawī (رحمه الله) in al-Majmūʿ (3/103) and ʿAllāmah ʿAbd al-Ghanī al-Maqdisī (رحمه الله) in al-Mughnī (1/309) also recorded consensus on this matter.
❖ Practice of the Salaf (Early Generations):
Many from the early generations practiced facing the Qiblah during the Adhān.
For instance, in the presence of Abū Umāmah (رضي الله عنه), a man gave the Adhān while facing the Qiblah.
— Musnad as-Sarāj (Hadith 61), with an authentic chain
❖ Note of Clarification:
The author of al-Hidāyah wrote:
"If one does not face the Qiblah, the Adhān is still valid because its purpose is fulfilled. However, it is disliked (makrūh) due to being against the Sunnah."
— al-Hidāyah (1/86)
However, this view is not in line with the consensus and long-standing tradition. In matters where the Salaf remained silent or unanimous, we should also remain silent and conform. Therefore, intentionally turning away from the Qiblah during the Adhān is not permissible without valid reason.
Conclusion:
Although facing the Qiblah for Adhān and Iqāmah is not obligatory, it is based on consensus, practice of the Salaf, and should not be abandoned without necessity.
