Adhan
/əˈdɑːn/noun
The Islamic call to prayer, traditionally recited five times daily by a muezzin.
Did you know?According to Islamic tradition, Bilal ibn Rabah—an early Muslim known for his powerful voice—became the first muezzin and was chosen to proclaim the adhan.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Islamic/Classical Arabic
Arabic
ʾadhdhana
“To announce, proclaim, or give notice; from the consonantal root ʾ-dh-n.”
7th Century
Arabic
adhān
“A formal proclamation calling Muslims to communal prayer.”
7th Century
Arabic
muʾadhdhin
“The person who makes the proclamation—the caller to prayer, or muezzin.”
Medieval Islamic world
Arabic
adhān
“The established public call marking the times of the five daily prayers.”
19th Century
English
adhan
“An English borrowing referring to the Islamic call to prayer.”
Modern English
English
adhan
“The recited call to prayer, also spelled azan or adhaan.”