About Athan Azkar
The adhan azkar are a rich Sunnah: repeat what the muezzin says as you hear it, answer 'Come to prayer' and 'Come to success' with 'La hawla wa-la quwwata illa billah', then send salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ and make the wasilah supplication after the call. This section also carries the full wording of the adhan, the Fajr call with its unique addition 'prayer is better than sleep', and the iqamah formula — all documented from Hisnul Muslim.
Frequently asked questions about Athan Azkar
What do we say when hearing the adhan?
- When hearing the adhan one repeats what the muezzin says, phrase by phrase — except at 'Come to prayer' and 'Come to success', where one answers: La hawla wa-la quwwata illa billah (there is no might nor power except with Allah). After the call ends, one recites the tashahhud upon the Prophet ﷺ, then makes the wasilah supplication.
What is the difference between the adhan and the iqamah?
- The adhan announces that the prayer time has entered; the iqamah declares that the prayer itself is starting. In wording: the takbirs and the two testimonies are doubled in the adhan but said once in the iqamah; the addition 'prayer is better than sleep' belongs to the Fajr adhan alone and never to the iqamah; and the iqamah closes once with 'the prayer has begun'.
How many times is 'prayer is better than sleep' said?
- 'Prayer is better than sleep' is said twice in the Fajr adhan only — after 'Come to prayer' and 'Come to success'. It is an addition unique to the dawn call among the five daily prayers, established in Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim.
What is the dua after the adhan?
- After the call completes it is recommended to send salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ and then say the wasilah supplication: 'O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and the prayer to be offered, grant Muhammad the intercession and favour, and raise him to the honoured station You have promised him.' The hadith also teaches that supplication between the adhan and iqamah is not rejected — its moment is responsive.