The sound of the Adhān is not merely an indicator that the time for prayer has arrived. For Muslims who understand the knowledge, the moment the Adhān resonates is a very valuable time. The gates of heaven are opened and Allah’s blessings descend. However, many of us only know how to respond to the Adhān in a standard way—such as imitating the words of the mu’adhdhin. In fact, there are practices when hearing the Adhān that have extraordinary virtues but are rarely known by many people.
The primary reference used by students and ulama throughout the Nusantara in this regard is the book I’anah at-Thalibin. In this book, Sheikh Abu Bakar Syatha ad-Dimyathi cites several important narrations regarding the prayer recited upon hearing the Adhān from traditional Islamic texts, which possess specific virtues (excellence), ranging from eye health to a guarantee of entering Paradise.
This article will thoroughly examine the original text, the method of practice, and the in-depth explanation from Volume 1 of the book I’anah at-Thalibin on page 281. Let us learn them one by one so that our worship becomes more substantial.
The Importance of Referring to Reliable Books
Before delving into the core practices, we need to understand why this reference is important. I’anah at-Thalibin regarding the Adhān is a frequently searched keyword because this book is a sharḥ (explanation) of the book Fathul Mu’in, which is a mandatory curriculum in almost all Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in Indonesia.
What is written within is not merely opinion, but rather excerpts from great scholars of the past. In the context of the chapter on the Adhān, the author of the book inserts “Faedah” (Fawaid) in the margins, containing supplementary practices (fadha’il al-amal). Although some chains of narration may be discussed by hadith experts, many scholars of fiqh and tasawuf agree to practice them in the framework of fadha’il al-amal (the virtues of deeds) and love for the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.
Here are the three main practices mentioned in the reference.
1. Answering the Adhān with “Marhaban” (A Welcoming Greeting)
The first practice mentioned in this book teaches us not merely to hear, but to welcome the sound of the Adhān with joy. Often, we feel burdened or disturbed when we hear the Adhān because we are busy working. This practice trains our hearts to be happy.
Original Text from the Book
In the references you provided, it is mentioned that this narration is found in the ḥāshiyah (marginal notes) of the book Maqamat al-Hariri:
( فوائد ) ذكر في هامش مقامات الحريري ما نصه : من قال حين يسمع المؤذن مرحبا بالقائل عدلا , مرحبا بالصلاة أهلا . كتب الله له ألف ألف حسنة , ومحا عنه ألفي ألف سيئة , ورفع له ألفي ألف درجة
Latin Recitation and Meaning
If you hear the mu’adhin, it is sunnah (recommended) to say:
Translation: Marḥaban bi al-qā’ili ‘adlan, marḥaban bi aṣ-ṣalāti ahlan.
Meaning: “Welcome, O proclaimer of justice (truth), welcome, O prayer as family (a part of us).”
Explanation and Virtue
The word “Marhaban” means welcome or a broad and spacious greeting. Uttering this sentence means we open our hearts to receive the call of Allah.
According to the text above, the virtue or excellence of reciting this supplication is fantastic:
- A million good deeds are written (alfa alfi hasanah).
- Two million evils are erased (alfay alfi sayyi’ah).
- Raised two million degrees (alfay alfi darajah).
The term “million” (alfu alfin) in classical Arabic often signifies a very large or infinite number. This illustrates the immense reward Allah bestows upon His servants who answer the Adhān with a joyful heart, not with grumbling.
2. The Secret of Kissing the Thumb (Taqbilul Ibham) for Eye Health
This is a discussion frequently sought with the keywords the law of kissing the thumb during the Adhān or a prayer during the Adhān to avoid eye pain. This practice is very popular among Nahdliyin and those who practice tarekat (Sufi orders). It turns out, the basis is clearly written in the book I’anah at-Thalibin which quotes from the book Asy-Syanwani.
Moments of Practice
This practice is performed specifically when the Adhān caller utters the statement of faith regarding the Messenger: “Asyhadu anna Muhammadar Rasulullah” (I bear witness that the Prophet Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah).
Original Text and Method of Practice
Here is the original text from the book:
وفي الشنواني ما نصه : من قال حين يسمع قول المؤذن : أشهد أن محمدا رسول الله : مرحبا بحبيبي وقرة عيني محمد بن عبد الله – صلى الله عليه وسلم -. ثم يقبل إبهاميه ويجعلهما على عينيه لم يعم ولم يرمد أبدا
Latin Reading
When you hear the muezzin pronounce I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, say:
Translation: Marḥaban bi ḥabībī wa qurrati ‘aynī Muḥammad ibn ‘Abdillāh – ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
Meaning: “Welcome, my beloved and the coolness of my eyes, Muhammad bin Abdullah – may blessings and peace be upon him.”
Procedure (Kaifiyah)
Based on the text “tsumma yuqabbilu ibhaamaihi wa yaj’aluhuma ‘ala ‘ainaihi”:
- Recite the prayer above when hearing the Adhān of the Messenger.
- Kiss both thumbs (usually the nail portion).
- Rub both thumbs on the eyelids.
Virtues (Efficacy)
As promised in the text: “Lam ya’ma wa lam yarmad abadan”. Its meaning is, the person who routinely practices this will not become blind and will not suffer from eye disease forever.
This is a form of tabarruk (seeking blessings) from the name of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Our eyes, which we use to view the world, we wipe with the name of the Beloved of Allah so that their health is always preserved and they are protected from gazing upon sinful things.
3. Specific Prayer for Guaranteed Paradise Without Reckoning
This third practice is perhaps the least known to laypeople compared to the two previous practices. Usually, we only recite the common Adhān supplication (Allahumma rabba hadzihid da’wati at-tammah…). However, Abu Muhammad bin Sab’ in the book Syifa’ush Shudur provides an additional supplication with a heart-stirring guarantee.
Original Prayer Text
This wording is very beautiful and touches upon the deepest aspects of tawhid:
وذكر أبو محمد بن سبع في شفاء الصدور : وأن من قال إذا فرغ المؤذن من أذانه : لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له ، كل شئ هالك إلا وجهه . اللهم أنت الذي مننت علي بهذه الشهادة وما شهدتها إلا لك ، ولا يقبلها مني غيرك ، فاجعلها لي قربة عندك وحجابا من نارك ، واغفر لي ولوالدي ولكل مؤمن ومؤمنة برحمتك ، إنك على كل شئ قدير
Complete Latin Recitation
This prayer is recited after the Adhān is completely finished by the mu’adhin.
Translation: Lā ilāha illā Allāhu waḥdahū lā sharīka lahū,
kullu shay’in hālikun illā wajhahū.
Allāhumma anta alladhī mananta ‘alayya bihādhihi ash-shahādah,
wa mā shahidtuhā illā laka,
wa lā yaqbalu-hā minnī ghayruka,
faj‘al-hā lī qurbatan ‘indaka wa ḥijāban min nārika,
waghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa li-kulli mu’minin wa mu’minatin bi-raḥmatika,
innaka ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr.
Sentence-by-Sentence Translation
To better absorb it, let us understand the meaning section by section:
- “There is no god but Allah, the One and Only, He has no partners. Everything will perish except His Face (His Essence).”
- “O Allah, You are the One who has bestowed upon me the blessing of this testimony (syahadat).”
- “And I do not bear witness except for You, and none accepts my witness except You.”
- “So, let this testimony be a path of nearness (qurbah) to You and a barrier (ḥijāb) from Your hellfire.”
- “And forgive me, my parents, and every believing man and woman with Your mercy.”
- “Indeed, You are Powerful over all things.”
The Highest Excellence
In references it is mentioned: “Adkhalahullahu al-jannata bighairi hisab”. Its meaning is: Allah will admit him/her to Paradise without ḥisāb (without reckoning of deeds).
This sentence shows that the prayer is a form of total surrender and recognition that our iman is a gift from Allah, not the result of our own efforts. We pray that this iman is preserved until death as a ticket to paradise.
Summary Table of Practices Regarding the Adhān in I’anah at-Thalibin
To help you memorize and practice it, here is a summary table of its implementation:
| No | Time of Implementation | Key Recitation (Latin) | Special Movements | Main Virtue |
| 1 | Upon hearing the beginning of the mu’adhin’s voice | Marhaban bil-qaa-ili ‘adlan… | None | Erases sins, elevates status |
| 2 | When the mu’adhin recites Asyhadu anna Muhammadar Rasulullah | Marhaban bihabiibii wa qurrati ‘ainii… | Kiss the thumb & wipe it on the eyes | Healthy eyes, will not be blind |
| 3 | After the Adhān is completed (before the general supplication) | Allahumma antal-ladzii mananta ‘alayya… | Raise hands (supplicate) | Enter Paradise without reckoning |
Further Explanation Regarding “‘Adlan” and “Ahlan”
Perhaps some may ask about the meaning of the words in the first prayer. Why is the mu’adhin (caller to Adhān) called the proclaimer of justice?
The word “‘Adlan” ( عدلا ) here refers to absolute truth. The mu’adhin proclaims the kalimat at-tauhid and the call to Adhān, which is the most essential truth in this world. We welcome that sound as a sound of truth, not a sound of disturbance.
Whereas the word “Ahlan” ( أهلا ) means family or group. When we greet the prayer with the word “Ahlan”, we consider the prayer to be a part of ourselves, a part of our spiritual family that we long for, not a burden that weighs down our backs.
Strategies for Practicing in Daily Life
Combining the three practices above may seem like a lot for beginners. However, once you get used to it, it will become a beautiful spiritual reflex. Here are some tips to make this practice a routine:
- Memorize One by One: Start with the shortest, which is responding with “Marhaban” when you hear the Adhān for the first time.
- Paste the Prayer Texts: You can print the prayers above and paste them on the wall near where you usually pray or in your workspace.
- Intend to Follow (Ittiba’): Intend with your heart to follow in the footsteps of the righteous scholars who have practiced this for centuries.
Practicing the contents of classical Islamic texts like this is also part of preserving the Islamic scholarly tradition which possesses a clear sanad (chain of transmission). We do not only worship physically, but also connect our spirituality with the authors of these books, such as Sheikh Zainuddin al-Malibari (author of Fathul Mu’in) and Sheikh Abu Bakar Syatha (author of I’anah at-Thalibin).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To clarify understanding regarding practices when hearing the Adhān, here are some frequently asked questions:
Is the practice of kissing thumbs an innovation (bid’ah)?
In the view of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah (specifically the Shafi’i school followed by the majority of Muslims in Indonesia), this falls into the category of Fadha’il al-Amal (virtues of deeds). The evidence for this is the practice of the scholars (athar) and the spiritual experiences (tajribah) of the righteous. As long as it is not believed to be a pillar (Arkān) of prayer or an obligation of the Shari’ah, but rather a form of love (mahabbah) for the Prophet, then it is recommended. Clear references to this can be found in reliable books such as I’anah at-Thalibin.
2. Do these prayers replace the usual Adhān prayer?
No. The common supplication (Allahumma rabba hadzihid da’wati at-tammah…) originates from a ṣaḥīḥ hadith narrated by Bukhari and has the virtue of receiving the Prophet’s intercession. These supplications from I’anah at-Thalibin are additions (ziyadah) to complete and increase reward. You can recite them after the usual Adhān supplication.
3. What if I am in the bathroom when the Adhān is called?
If you are in the bathroom or toilet, we are forbidden from uttering the name of Allah and verses of the Qur’an. Simply listen and respond within your heart. Only after exiting the bathroom are you permitted to recite them if the Adhān has not passed for too long.
4. Where exactly is this text located in the book I’anah at-Thalibin?
According to references, this text is located in Volume 1, Page 281 (common print of the yellow book). Its location is in the discussion of the chapter on the Adhān and Iqamah, often at the bottom or middle of the page depending on the publisher (such as Toha Putra, Beirut: Dār al-Fikr or Darul Ilmi).
Closing
Thus is a complete explanation regarding the secret practices when hearing the Adhān according to the book I’anah at-Thalibin. By practicing these three things—greeting with marhaban, kissing the thumb during the shahada, and reciting a specific prayer at the end of the Adhān—we hope to attain complete blessings. Our eyes will be healthy in this world to view the mushaf and the faces of the Ulama, and in the hereafter we will enter paradise without reckoning thanks to the intercession of the Prophet Muhammad, may peace and blessings be upon him.
Do not let the Adhān pass by merely as background noise. Make every call to prayer a field for reaping rewards for us. May this article be beneficial and serve as a reference for those of you who wish to deepen your understanding of the prayer of responding to the Adhān according to classical Islamic texts. May you practice it well.
And Allah knows best [regarding the correctness].
Reference
Abū Bakr (al-mashhūr bi-al-Bakrī) ‘Uthmān ibn Muḥammad Shaṭṭā al-Dimyāṭī al-Shāfi‘ī. I‘ānat al-Ṭālibīn ‘alā Ḥall Alfāẓ Fatḥ al-Mu‘īn (ḥāshiyah ‘alā Fatḥ al-Mu‘īn bi-Sharḥ Qurrat al-‘Ayn bi-Muhimmat al-Dīn). 1st ed. Beirut: Dār al-Fikr, 1997. Vol. 1, p. 281.
