Why Are There Two Calls to Fajr Prayer? Egypt’s Fatwa House Explains the Prophet’s Sunnah
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta clarified the wisdom behind having two calls to Fajr prayer, confirming that it follows the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and is not an innovation, as some may think.
Dar Al-Ifta explained that the two calls to Fajr prayer are part of the Prophet’s tradition. The first call was made by Bilal ibn Rabah before dawn to wake people up and remind them to prepare for prayer or have their pre-dawn meal, while the second call, made by Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum, announced the actual start of Fajr time.
Dr. Magdy Ashour, Secretary of Fatwa, stated that the first adhan is recommended but not obligatory, as it serves to prepare worshippers for the coming prayer. The second adhan, however, signifies the real entry of the prayer time.
He cited the hadith: “Bilal calls to prayer at night, so eat and drink until Ibn Umm Maktum calls,” confirming that this practice is rooted in prophetic guidance.
Dar Al-Ifta emphasized that this double call helps Muslims better organize their worship, ensuring readiness for prayer and clarity regarding the exact time. With modern tools like clocks and calendars, confusion is now rare.
Pros:
Encourages early preparation and mindfulness before prayer.
Helps fasting Muslims manage suhoor time correctly.
Cons:
May cause confusion if people are not aware of the purpose of the first adhan.
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