Muezzin (Caller to Prayer)
The person who calls to prayer by reciting the adhan.
Muezzin (Arabic: مؤذن) is the person who calls to prayer by reciting the adhan from the mosque's minaret or another elevated place. The muezzin has an important and honored role in the Islamic community.
The first muezzin in Islam was Bilal ibn Rabah, an Ethiopian slave who was freed and became one of the Prophet's closest companions. Bilal was known for his beautiful and powerful voice. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said about the muezzin: "The muezzins will have the longest necks on the Day of Judgment" — a metaphor for their high rank.
Traditionally, the muezzin would ascend the minaret to call to prayer, but today loudspeakers are often used. In many Muslim countries, the adhan can be heard five times daily throughout the city.
Related terms
Waqt (Prayer Time)
The specific time interval within which a prayer must be performed.
Najasah (Ritual Impurity)
Impure substances that must be removed before prayer according to Islamic law.
Salat al-Duha (Forenoon Prayer)
A voluntary prayer performed after sunrise and before noon, with great reward according to the narrations.
Iqamah (Second Call to Prayer)
The second call to prayer, recited just before the prayer begins.
Jam' bayn al-Salatayn (Combining Prayers)
The Shia practice of praying Dhuhr and Asr together, and Maghrib and Isha together.
Fard (Obligatory)
The obligatory acts in Islam, including the five daily prayers.