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Originally posted 2024-01-03 18:36:14.
The Prophet said: “A person is considered in prayer as long as he is waiting for the prayer.”
Before “Allahu Akbar”: The Deeper Beginning of Prayer
When we think of prayer, many of us believe it begins when we stand and say, “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is Greatest). But in reality, it starts before that moment.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“A person is considered in prayer as long as he is waiting for the prayer.”
(Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
For men, this refers to one who prepares for and waits for prayer to begin at the mosque. For women who pray at home, it refers to performing wudu’ (ablution), dressing appropriately, and preparing oneself spiritually and mentally as the time for prayer approaches.
The Overlooked Sweetness of the Adhan
An often-neglected aspect of the prayer is the adhan (call to prayer). Have we ever paused to taste its sweetness? Whoever truly experiences the beauty of the adhan will likely find deeper khushu` (devotion) during the prayer itself.
Satan detests the prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“When the adhan is pronounced, Satan takes to his heels and passes wind with noise during his flight in order not to hear it. When the adhan is completed, he comes back. When the iqamah is pronounced, he takes off again. Once it is done, he returns, whispering into the heart of the person (to distract him from his prayer), reminding him of things he had forgotten—so much so that he forgets how much he has prayed.”
(Al-Bukhari)
From the moment the adhan begins, Satan’s mission is to distract us, so we miss out on its tremendous blessings. Why? Because the adhan holds great spiritual power.
A Reward to Grasp
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The muezzin (caller to prayer) is forgiven as far as his voice reaches, and whoever hears him will affirm what he says. He will receive a reward equal to those who pray with him.”
(An-Nasa’i and Ahmad)
If fifty people pray, the muezzin gets the reward of fifty prayers. If a hundred pray, he receives the reward of a hundred. But what about the rest of us—those who are not muezzins?
A man once asked the Prophet (peace be upon him):
“Do the muezzins have more virtue than us?”
He replied:
“Say what they say, and when they finish, ask and it shall be given.”
(Abu Dawud)
So repeat the words of the adhan, and when it concludes, ask Allah—for it is a moment where du`a is not rejected.
The Call That Elevates
When the adhan begins with “Allahu Akbar”, it reminds us that Allah is greater than whatever we’re currently engaged in—whether it’s a TV show, a meal, or a conversation. You rise to pray because of “La ilaha illa Allah”—your belief that there is no god but Allah.
If, in that moment, what you’re doing feels more important than responding to the adhan, you must reflect on what you truly prioritize.
During the adhan, we repeat everything the muezzin says, except when he says “Hayya ala as-salah”* (Come to prayer) and *“Hayya ala al-falah” (Come to success). At these moments, we respond:
“La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah”
There is no power or strength except through Allah.
Why do we say that? Because we acknowledge that we cannot attain true success or sincere devotion without Allah’s help.
A Higher Calling: Meeting the Beloved
The adhan is not just a call to pray—it is a summons to meet your Beloved. Just like the excitement we feel before meeting someone dear to us, the adhan stirs longing and anticipation.
Lady `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever loves to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him.”
(Al-Bukhari)
The adhan is telling us: “Now is the time to meet Allah.” Those who truly love Allah will not delay—they will eagerly respond.
Look at Musa (peace be upon him) as Allah says in the Qur’an:
“And what made you hasten from your people, O Musa?”
He said, “They are close behind me, and I hastened to You, my Lord, that You be pleased.”
(Ta-Ha 20:83-84)
He rushed to meet Allah—not out of fear, but out of love and longing. This is the spirit we should cultivate.
Conclusion: Savoring the Call
The adhan is a reminder that we are about to stand before our Lord. If we learn to cherish the adhan, we will, in sha’ Allah, find greater joy and focus in the prayer that follows.
O Allah, help us to perfect our prayers and respond to Your call with hearts full of love and devotion.
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Source: OnIslam.net.