Hadith on the Importance of Adhan and the Selection of the Mu'adhin
Narrated by Abu Mahdhurah (رضي الله عنه):The Prophet (ﷺ) commanded about twenty men to give Adhan, and he was impressed by the voice of Abu Mahdhurah (رضي الله عنه), so he personally taught him the Adhan.
(Reported by Al-Darimi: 1199, Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 377, Sahih Ibn Hibban: 1678 – Classified as authentic.)
Key Lessons from the Hadith
➊ The Mu'adhin Should Have a Loud, Clear, and Melodious Voice
- The Mu'adhin should be selected based on a strong, melodious, and clear voice.
- Not everyone is suitable for giving Adhan.
- The Prophet (ﷺ) listened to multiple people and chose the best voice for the task.
➋ The Importance of Adhan in Islam
- Adhan is not an ordinary announcement; it carries great spiritual significance.
- The Mu'adhin will have a special status on the Day of Judgment.
- A beautiful voice naturally attracts people and encourages them towards prayer.
➌ Facing the Qiblah While Giving Adhan
- It is Sunnah for the Mu'adhin to face the Qiblah while calling the Adhan.
- The Prophet (ﷺ) and his Companions always faced the Qiblah while calling Adhan.
- Why face the Qiblah?
- The Qiblah (Ka'bah) is the spiritual center for all Muslims.
- Facing the Qiblah symbolizes the direction of prayer and unity of the Ummah.
➍ The Mu'adhin Can Turn His Head for ‘Hayya ‘ala as-Salah’ and ‘Hayya ‘ala al-Falah’
- It is reported that the Mu'adhin should turn his face slightly to the right when saying:
- "Hayya ‘ala as-Salah"
- And slightly to the left when saying:
- "Hayya ‘ala al-Falah"
- This was the practice of the Prophet (ﷺ) and is still followed in Adhan today.
Conclusion: What Is the Correct Direction for Adhan?
The Mu'adhin should stand facing the Qiblah while calling Adhan.He may turn his face slightly to the right for "Hayya ‘ala as-Salah" and to the left for "Hayya ‘ala al-Falah".
The selection of a Mu'adhin should be based on his voice quality and clarity.
[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.]