Many Muslims wonder about the ruling on repeating a recorded Adhan when it is heard through a mobile phone, television, or another device, and whether repeating a recording has the same status as responding to the live Adhan called by a mosque.
The Adhan was originally prescribed to announce the beginning of the obligatory prayer time. Therefore, it is connected to the actual prescribed time of prayer. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “When the time for prayer arrives, one of you should give the Adhan.”
Is It Permissible to Repeat a Recorded Adhan?
According to the views cited in the question, a Muslim should not make repeating a recorded Adhan the normal practice. Rather, it is preferable to respond to the first genuine Adhan heard at the actual prayer time.
The guidance mentioned recommends responding to the live Mu’adhdhin when the Adhan is actually being called, rather than repeatedly responding to recordings coming from different mosques, phones, or other electronic devices.
When Can an Adhan Heard Through a Phone Be Repeated?
A previous ruling attributed to Sheikh Abdel Hamid Al-Atrash stated that there is no objection to repeating an Adhan heard through a phone if it is synchronized with the actual beginning of the prayer time, rather than being an old recording played at another time.
Therefore, the timing and nature of the broadcast are relevant, rather than merely hearing a recording of an Adhan.
Can a Mosque Use a Recorded Adhan?
The ruling mentioned in the question states that a mosque should not use a recorded Adhan or an Adhan transmitted through broadcasting equipment as a replacement for a Mu’adhdhin who performs the Adhan at its proper time.
For example, a mosque should not simply play a recording through its loudspeakers instead of having a Mu’adhdhin perform the Adhan when the prayer time begins.
What Should a Muslim Say When Hearing the Adhan?
When hearing the Adhan, a Muslim is encouraged to repeat the words of the Mu’adhdhin, based on the prophetic instruction:
“When you hear the call, say what the caller says.”
When the Mu’adhdhin says:
“Come to prayer”
and
“Come to success,”
the listener says:
“There is no power and no strength except through Allah.”
The Adhan should be repeated attentively while reflecting on the meanings of its words.
What Should Be Said After the Adhan?
After the Adhan ends, several recommended remembrances and supplications may be recited.
Sending Blessings Upon the Prophet
After the Adhan, a Muslim is encouraged to send blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and then ask Allah to grant him Al-Wasilah.
Al-Wasilah is a high rank in Paradise, and the Sunnah encourages Muslims to ask Allah to grant it to the Prophet.
The Supplication for Al-Wasilah
Among the recommended supplications after the Adhan is:
“O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and established prayer, grant Muhammad Al-Wasilah and excellence, and raise him to the praised station that You have promised him.”
This is among the supplications traditionally recited after the Adhan.
Making Dua After the Adhan
A Muslim may also make personal supplications after the Adhan, asking Allah for forgiveness, mercy, goodness, and whatever lawful needs they have.
The period following the Adhan is therefore an opportunity to increase remembrance, send blessings upon the Prophet, and make dua.
What Do Al-Wasilah and the Praised Station Mean?
Al-Wasilah refers to a high rank in Paradise. Muslims are encouraged to ask Allah to grant this rank to the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.
The Praised Station refers to the honored station associated with the Prophet, including the great intercession on the Day of Judgment.
What Remembrance Can Be Said After the Adhan?
A remembrance attributed to Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas includes affirming the oneness of Allah, testifying to the Prophethood of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and expressing contentment with Allah as Lord and Islam as the religion.
Its wording includes:
“I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah alone, without partner, and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, Muhammad as Messenger, and Islam as my religion.”
A virtue of forgiveness has been reported for this remembrance.
Is it permissible to repeat a recorded Adhan?
Some scholarly rulings allow repeating it when the Adhan is synchronized with the actual prayer time, while responding to a live Mu’adhdhin is preferred.
Does a recorded Adhan have the same ruling as a live Adhan?
The Islamic Adhan is connected to the beginning of the prayer time and its performance by a Mu’adhdhin. An old recording therefore differs from an Adhan performed at its proper time.
What should I say when the Mu’adhdhin says “Come to prayer”?
The listener says: “There is no power and no strength except through Allah.”
What should be said after the Adhan?
A Muslim may send blessings upon the Prophet, ask Allah to grant him Al-Wasilah and the Praised Station, and then make personal supplications.
Can a mosque play a recorded Adhan instead of having a Mu’adhdhin?
According to the ruling cited, a mosque should not rely on a recording as a substitute for a Mu’adhdhin performing the Adhan at its proper time.
