Is the call to prayer (Adhan) before dawn permissible during the month of Ramadan?

Chapter on Adhan

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 1 · Bab 3

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The Adhan before the true dawn during Ramadan is disliked (Makruh). Ahmad stated this in the narration accepted by the majority. The reason is to prevent people from being deceived by it and thus abandoning their pre-dawn meal (Suhur). Evidence against this prohibition is the practice of Bilal, whose nightly Adhan was confirmed by the Prophet, peace be upon him, who stated: "Bilal calls to prayer at night, so eat and drink until the Adhan of Ibn Umm Maktum." Furthermore, the Prophet, peace be upon him, commanded: "Let not the Adhan of Bilal prevent you from your Suhur, for he calls to prayer at night so that your sleepers may awaken and those praying may return [to their homes]."

Supporting text

It is potentially not disliked (Makruh) for someone whose established custom involves a nightly Adhan, given the precedent set by Bilal's practice which allowed for Suhur.