Adhan
/əˈdɑːn/noun
The Islamic call to prayer, traditionally recited aloud five times each day.
Did you know?The Arabic word adhan comes from a root connected with announcing and granting permission, while the caller is known in English as a muezzin.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*ʔḏn
“A root associated with hearing, listening, announcing, and permission”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ʾadhdhana
“To announce publicly or proclaim”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
adhān
“An announcement; specifically, the public call to Islamic prayer”
7th Century
Arabic
al-adhān
“The established ritual call summoning Muslims to prayer”
18th–19th Century
English
adhan
“An English loanword for the Muslim call to prayer”
Modern English
English
adhan
“The vocal call to prayer heard from mosques and other Muslim communities”
Explore more surprising origins