What to Say Hearing

Meaning

When the muezzin's call to prayer is heard, the Muslim repeats the same phrases the muezzin says, word for word, as an act of remembrance and affirmation. The one exception is at the two phrases inviting to prayer and success — 'Come to prayer' and 'Come to success' — where instead of repeating them, the listener responds with 'There is no power and no strength except with Allah,' acknowledging that true ability to answer the call comes only from Him.

When to recite

It is said while the adhan is being called, phrase by phrase, matching each part the muezzin recites until the call is complete.

About this dhikr

This dhikr is part of Athan Azkar as documented in Hisnul Muslim (Fortress of the Muslim), and is recited 1 time.

How many times should this dhikr be recited?

This dhikr is recited 1 time, as narrated in Hisnul Muslim. Use the smart counter on this page to track your repetitions.

Why don't we repeat 'Come to prayer' and 'Come to success' exactly as the muezzin says them?

Because those two phrases are a call to action, and the listener has not yet begun to pray, so instead they say 'There is no power and no strength except with Allah,' acknowledging that the ability to respond comes from Him alone.

Is repeating the adhan prescribed for every call, or only for the Fajr adhan?

Repeating the adhan is prescribed for every call to each of the five daily prayers, not limited to the Fajr adhan alone.

What should I do if I was busy and missed the start of the adhan?

Repeat whichever remaining phrases you do hear, since the reward relates to what you hear and repeat, not to catching the entire call from its very start.