1. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Were people to know the blessing of pronouncing Adhan and standing in the first row, they would even draw lots to secure these privileges. And were they to realize the reward of performing Salat early, they would race for it; and were they to know the merits of Salat after nightfall (`Isha’) and the dawn (Fajr) Salat, they would come to them even if they had to crawl.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
COMMENTARY: This expression ‘to crawl’ is used to illustrate the high merit of praying `Isha and Fajr in the congregation in the mosque. This Hadith also urges to make best to occupy the first rows, as the `Angels of Mercy’ pray for the Imam first, then for those who pray immediately behind him in the first row, then those behind them, and so on. The Hadith also points out the excellence of Adhan and the great reward of the person who pronounces it.
2. Mu`awiyah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) saying:
“The Mu’adhdhinun (callers to prayer) will have the longest necks on the Day of Resurrection.”
[Muslim].
COMMENTARY: The phrase “will have the longest necks” has been given different interpretations. One of them is that they are those who long for the Mercy of Allah more than anyone else. Another interpretation is that their necks will grow longer on the Day of Requital and so sweat will not reach them, for everyone will sweat on that day depending on his deeds: sweat will reach up to one’s ankles or knees or waists. In the case of some people, sweat will reach up to their mouths. Another interpretation is that those who call Adhan will have an honorable and great status on the Day of Requital.
Allah Knows Better.