Is the Adhan (call to prayer) permissible before the actual time of Fajr prayer?
Chapter on Adhan
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The call to prayer (Adhan) for Fajr is legislated to be made before its actual time. This is the position held by Malik, Al-Awza'i, Al-Shafi'i, and Ishaq. The evidence supporting this permissibility is the statement of the Prophet, peace be upon him: "Indeed, Bilal performs the Adhan at night, so eat and drink until Ibn Umm Maktum performs the Adhan," which is agreed upon (muttafaq 'alayh). This indicates the continuation of this practice, and the Prophet's tacit approval thereof confirms its permissibility. Furthermore, the Prophet, peace be upon him, commanded Ziyad ibn al-Harith al-Suda'i to perform the Adhan before dawn broke, and when dawn arrived, he permitted him to make the Iqamah (second call) because he had made the first call, establishing that a single caller performing the pre-dawn call is sufficient.
Supporting text
The view prohibiting the Adhan before Fajr is held by Al-Thawri, Abu Hanifa, and Muhammad ibn al-Hasan. Their evidence rests upon a narration where Bilal called the Adhan before dawn, and the Prophet commanded him to repeat the call, announcing, "Verily, the slave has slept." Another narration cites the Prophet telling Bilal, "Do not call until the dawn becomes clear to you, like this," gesturing with his hands spread wide. A group of Hadith scholars stated that it is permissible only if there are two callers, one calling before dawn and the other after, arguing that the pre-dawn call misses the purpose of announcing the time, akin to other prayers.