The Adhān is not merely a call marking time, but a glorious Islamic proclamation. For a mu’adhin, knowing the correct recitation of the Adhān and its rules in fiqh is crucial. Many still do not understand small details such as the way of pronouncing the takbīr, the precise Arabic text, or the difference in the recitation of the Fajr Adhān compared to other times.
In this article, we will thoroughly dissect the words of the Adhān and the recitation of the Iqāmah, referencing the book Asna al-Matalib Sharh Raudh at-Talib by Sheikh Zakariyya al-Ansari. We will discuss everything from the conditions for a valid Adhān, the writing of the Adhān in Arabic, to the Latin transliteration of the Adhān to facilitate learning for those who are studying.
Requirements for a Valid Adhān and Provisions for the Mu’adhdhin
Before delving into the words of the Adhān and their meanings, we need to first understand its foundations. Based on the explanation in the book Asna al-Matalib, there are several important points for the Adhān to be considered valid according to Sharia. In the requirements for a valid Adhān, there are several main points that must be fulfilled:
- Prayer Time Has Entered: Of course, the condition for the Adhān is that the time has entered. If the Adhān is called before its time, then it is invalid and must be repeated when the time arrives (except for the first Adhān of Fajr which is permitted before dawn according to some opinions).
- Sequence (Tartib): The order of the Adhān must not be altered. If a muezzin begins with hayya alas shalah and then performs the takbir, then his Adhān is invalid and not considered sufficient to fulfill the sunnah of the Adhān.
- Continuity (Muwalat): The sentences of the Adhān must be continuous. There should be no long pauses such as prolonged silence, sleep, or fainting during the Adhān. However, a brief pause to take a breath does not invalidate it.
- Loudness (Volume) for Congregants: One of the requirements for the Adhān in the mosque or for congregational prayer is to raise the voice. If the voice is only heard by oneself (in a whisper), then the sunnah kifayah of the Adhān has not been fulfilled.
In addition, the requirements for the Adhān also include the status of the mu’adhdhin who must be Muslim and have tamyiz (the age of discernment).
The Adhān Phrase: Arabic, Latin Script, and Translation
Let’s delve into the core discussion, namely the Adhān recitation. Generally, the Adhān recitation begins with the phrase of Takbir. Below is the correct Adhān writing complete with the Arabic text, Latin Adhān transliteration, and its translation.
1. Standard Adhān Sequence (Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha)
This is the standard text for the Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers. It is recommended to recite it with Tartil (slowly).
1. Takbir (4 times)
Read twice-twice (combined).
اللّهُ أَكْبَرُ , اللّهُ أَكْبَرُ
Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar.
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest
(Repeated 2 times)
2. Declaration of Oneness (2x)
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّهُ
Ashhadu an lā ilāha illallāh.
I bear witness that there is no god but Allah
3. Testimony of the Messenger (2x)
أَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللّهِ
Ashhadu anna Muḥammadan rasūlullāh.
I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah
4. Come to Prayer (2x)
As he says this, the mu’adhin turns to the right.
حَيَّ عَلَى الصَّلَاةِ
Ḥayya ʿalash-ṣalāh.
Come to prayer
5. Hasten to Success (2x)
As he says this, the mu’adhin turns to the left.
حَيَّ عَلَى الْفَلَاحِ
Ḥayya ʿalal-falāḥ.
Come to success.
6. Final Takbir (2x)
اللّهُ أَكْبَرُ , اللّهُ أَكْبَرُ
Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar.
Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest.
7. Tahlil (1x)
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّهُ
Lā ilāha illallāh.
There is no god but Allah
It is important to note that in the book Asna al-Matalib, it is explained that it is sunnah to combine two takbīr in one breath (Allahu Akbar-Allahu Akbar). The letter ‘Ra’ in the first Akbar should preferably be read sukūn (without a vowel) due to intention of pausing, even though the sound is connected.
2. The Arabic Utterance of the Fajr Adhān and its Specifics
There is a specific difference in the Adhān of the subuh prayer. After the phrase Hayya ‘alal falaah and before the final Takbir, the mu’adhin is sunnah to add the phrase Tatswib. Here is the Arabic and Latin pronunciation of the subuh Adhān:
الصَّلَاةُ خَيْرٌ مِنَ النَّوْمِ
Aṣ-ṣalātu khairum minan-naum.
Prayer is better than sleep
(Read 2 times)
This addition only applies to the sequence of the Fajr Adhān. According to the book Asna al-Matalib, this is done because Fajr is a time when people are often lazy due to sleep, so it needs to be a reminder. If you are looking for the text of the Fajr Adhān or Fajr Adhān in Latin script, make sure this sentence is included in it as a main differentiator.
The Correct Recitation of Iqomah (Arabic & Latin)
Unlike the Adhān, whose phrases are repeated (a total of 19 phrases with Tarji’), the phrasing of the Iqomah is more concise (a total of 11 phrases).
Here are the iqomah recitations in Latin, Arabic, and their order:
1. Takbir (2x)
اللّهُ أَكْبَرُ , اللّهُ أَكْبَرُ
God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest
2. The Declaration of Oneness (1x)
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّهُ
I bear witness that there is no god but Allah
3. Testimony of the Messenger (1x)
أَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللّهِ
I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah
4. Come to Prayer (1x)
حَيَّ عَلَى الصَّلَاةِ
Come to prayer
5. Come to success (1x)
حَيَّ عَلَى الْفَلَاحِ
Hurry to success
6. Qad Qaamah (2x)
This is the core sentence of the iqomah, indicating that prayer will begin immediately.
قَدْ قَامَتِ الصَّلَاةُ , قَدْ قَامَتِ الصَّلَاةُ
Qad qāmatiṣ-ṣalāh, qad qāmatiṣ-ṣalāh.
The prayer has begun, the prayer has begun
7. Final Takbir (2x)
اللّهُ أَكْبَرُ , اللّهُ أَكْبَرُ
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest
8. Tahlil (1x)
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّهُ
There is no god but Allah
In the recitation of the iqomah after the Adhān, it is sunnah to recite it with hadr or idraj (quickly/connected), unlike the recitation of the Adhān which is sunnah to be recited with tartil (slowly/with pauses).
Technical Details of the Book Asna al-Matalib
To strengthen our understanding of the words of the Adhān and Iqāmah, let’s look at some technical fiqh details:
Preference in the Adhān
One Sunnah that is often forgotten is Tarji’. This is part of the correct Adhān recitation according to the Shafi’i school of thought. The method is for the mu’adhin to first utter the two statements of witness (syahadat) in a soft voice (sirr), then repeat them in a loud voice (jahar). This makes the Indonesian Adhān phrasing we hear in NU or Shafi’iyah mosques feel longer.
The Position of the Mu’adhin
When reciting the Adhān, it is sunnah to stand facing the qiblah. The important points are:
- When reciting Hayya ‘alash shalaah, the face turns to the right.
- When reciting Hayya ‘alal falaah, the face turns to the left.
- The chest remains facing the Qibla, only the neck/face is turned.
This applies to all times, whether it is the reading of the Adhān for Maghrib, Isha, or Fajr.
Responding to the Adhān
For those who hear the Adhān, it is recommended to repeat what the mu’adhin says. This is part of the reading of the Adhān and its response. Except for the phrases hayya’alatain (two phrases beginning with Hayya ‘ala), we respond with:
لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللّهِ
Lā ḥawla wa-lā quwwata illā billāh.
There is no power and no strength except with Allah
Original Reference Text (Kitab Asna al-Matalib)
As evidence of the validity and reference of the adhan writing above, here is a verbatim excerpt from the book Asna al-Matalib Sharh Raudh at-Talib Volume 1, pages 126-128, which discusses the requirements of the Adhān and Iqomah:
فصل في صفة الأذان والإقامة . ( وكلماته ) مع كلماتها ( مشهورة ) وعدة كلماته بالترجيع تسع عشرة كلمة وعدة كلماتها إحدى عشرة … ( ويستحب ترتيل الأذان ) أي التأني فيه ( وإدراج الإقامة ) أي الإسراع بها … (and) يستحب ( التثويب ) بالمثلثة ويقال التثويب ( في أذاني الصبح ) وهو أن يقول بعد الحيعلتين الصلاة خير من النوم مرتين … (و) يستحب ( القيام ) في الأذان والإقامة … ( ويجب الترتيب ) في كل منهما للاتباع … (و) تجب ( الموالاة ) بين كلماته لأن تركها يخل بالإعلام 1.
The above text affirms that iqamah is indeed more concise (11 sentences) compared to the Adhān (19 sentences with Tarji’). It also mentions the obligation of order and continuity as requirements for a valid Adhān.
Conclusion
Understanding the recitation of the Adhān and Iqomah correctly is the first step towards perfecting congregational prayer.
Ensure you pay attention to the words of the Adhān for Fajr (dawn prayer) due to the addition of the Tatswib phrase. It is also important to note that the Latin transliteration of the Adhān is merely a tool; the main goal is to pronounce the correct writing of the Adhān in accordance with the rules of the Arabic language and fiqih.
Hopefully, this explanation regarding the Latin transliteration of the Adhān, the correct recitation of the Iqāmah, the Arabic text, and its requirements will be beneficial for those of you who want to become a mu’adhdhin or simply improve the way you respond to the Adhān. Happy practicing!
Reference
- Zakariyā al-Anṣārī, Asnā al-Maṭālib fī Sharḥ Rawḍ al-Ṭālib, dengan ḥāsyiyah oleh Aḥmad al-Ramlī, disunting oleh Muḥammad az-Zuhrī al-Ghamrāwī (Kairo: al-Maṭbaʿah al-Maymānīyah, 1313 H; repr. Dār al-Kitāb al-Islāmī), juz 1, hlm. 126-128. ↩︎
