Adan is the first call to Prayer. The Azan is uttered in a loud, albeit sweet, voice to announce to the faithful that it is time for the Obligatory Prayer and to invite them to offer the prayers. Those who perform Azan are known as Mu’ezzin.
The honor of being the first Muezzin goes to Hazrat Bilal, a black slave who converted to Islam. He had a lovely, resonant, and musical voice. He was appointed as Muezzin by the Prophet of Islam. The appointment of a black slave as the first person to call Muslims to prayer shows that in Islam, all human beings are treated as equals. Rich or poor, black or white, short or tall – all are equal in the eyes of Allah. It is the piety of each individual that makes the difference.
Azan is recited in a loud voice by the Muezzin facing the direction of the Kaaba in the following words, which are said in the order mentioned:
“Allahu Akbar” – recited FOUR times.
Meaning, “Allah is Most Great.”(four times)
“Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allah” – recited TWO times.
Meaning, “I bear witness that there is none worthy of being worshipped except Allah.”(twice)
“Ash-hadu anna Muhammad-ar-Rasoolullah” – recited TWO times.
Meaning, “I bear witness that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Apostle of Allah.”(recited twice)
“Hayya alas-Salah” – recited TWO times.
Meaning, “Come to prayer.”(turning the face alone to the right and saying it twice)
“Hayya alal-falah” – recited TWO times.
Meaning, “Come to Success.”(turning the face alone to the left and saying it twice)
“Allahu Akbar” – recited TWO times.
Meaning, “Allah is Most Great” (face back to front and saying it two times).
“La ilaha ill-Allah”
Meaning, “I bear witness that there is none worthy of being worshiped except Allah.”(twice)