Related slides 24
What a visitor hears
The adhaan, often called azaan in India, announces a time for prescribed prayer. A caller known as a muezzin recites it. Its words affirm God's greatness, declare faith in God and His messenger, and invite people to prayer and spiritual success. The declaration about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) honours his role as messenger; it is not a prayer to him.
Understanding the words
The repeated phrase Allahu akbar means ‘God is greater’ or ‘God is the greatest’. In this setting it calls worshippers to place God's claim on their attention above the immediate demands of the day. The call then bears witness to God's oneness and the messenger's role, followed by an invitation to prayer and success. An account of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — Sunan Abi Dawud 499 — records the early call to prayer and its wording.
Understanding the meaning can make a familiar neighbourhood sound less unfamiliar.
Why the times change
Daily prayer periods relate to the position of the sun. Their clock times therefore vary by season and location. As daylight moves around the world, communities enter prayer periods at different times. This supports the display's picture of the call rising across different regions.
Amplification is a modern means of making the call heard. Its use should be distinguished from the religious wording itself. Consideration for neighbours and applicable local requirements are relevant to how public sound is managed.
Hadith
Saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — Sunan Abi Dawud 499
Relevant passage — plain-English meaning
After Abdullah ibn Zaid (RA) described his dream of the call to prayer, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) confirmed it as a true vision, God willing. He told him to teach its words to Bilal (RA), whose voice carried better, so Bilal could call people to prayer.
Sources: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — Sunan Abi Dawud 499 [12]
Read next: Why Muslims pray five times a day