Categories: FeaturesHistory & Heritage

What Do the Words Of the Adhan Mean in English?

The adhan (Azaan) is a special Islamic call to salat (prayer). A muezzin calls adhan from the minaret of ant mosque, around the world, to announce every prayer and worship events. According to Islamic custom, the adhan is also the first thing that a newborn baby should hear.

Adhan’s meaning in English

Allahu Akbar
God is Great
(said four times)

Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah
I bear witness that there is no god except the One God.

(said two times)

Ashadu anna Muhammadan Rasool Allah
I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
(said two times)

Hayya ‘ala-s-Salah
Hurry to the prayer (Rise up for prayer)
(said two times)

Hayya ‘ala-l-Falah
Hurry to success (Rise up for Salvation)
(said two times)

Allahu Akbar
God is Great
[said two times]

La ilaha illa Allah
There is no god except the One God

For the pre-dawn (fajr) prayer, the following phrase is inserted after the fifth part above, towards the end:

As-salatu Khayrun Minan-nawm
Prayer is better than sleep
(said two times)

Listen to the Azaan below:

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