Calling the Azan using a microphone

26-2-2004 | IslamWeb

Question:

What does Islam say about giving the call to prayer using a microphone? When did it start and what is the wisdom behind it?

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Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

Loudspeakers are only a means that takes the sound of a Muezzin clearly and beautifully to a large audience of people.  Indeed the clearity and beauty of the Azan are both highly recommended in Shariah.  "The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) Ordered Abdullah bin Zaid to go to Bilal, and teach him the Azan (call) for he (Bilal) had a better voice." [Abu Dawud]

Bilal (Radiya Allahu Anhu) used to stand on the roof of a house that was close to the mosque to call Azan.

The wisdom behind Azan is clear, i.e. announcing the words of Tawheed, symbols of Islam, preaching the message of Islam, informing Muslims about the times of prayer and calling them to be present during the prayers of the congregation.  Allah Says (interpretation of meaning) in this regard: {And who is better in speech than he who [says: “My Lord is Allah (believes in His Oneness),” and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allah’s (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: “I am one of the Muslims”.}[41:33].

The use of loudspeaker became more essential when cities expanded, multistoried buildings constructed the noise of machines, cars, etc. increased and above all when people have become very busy in seeking worldly matters.

Allah knows best.