What is the prescribed formulation for the call to prayer (Adhan)?
Chapter on Adhan
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The foundational form of the Adhan is based on the dream revelation given to 'Abdullah ibn Zayd, which the Prophet confirmed as a true vision and instructed Bilal to use because he had a sweeter voice. This formulation consists of fifteen phrases: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Ashhadu an la ilaha ill-Allah, Ashhadu an la ilaha ill-Allah, Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah, Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah, Hayya 'ala al-Salah, Hayya 'ala al-Salah, Hayya 'ala al-Falah, Hayya 'ala al-Falah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha ill-Allah." This is the preference of Ahmad, Al-Thawri, the People of Opinion (Ahl al-Ra'y), and Ishaq.
Supporting text
Malik, Al-Shafi'i, and their followers among the people of Hijaz prefer the Adhan of Abu Mahdhurah, which includes the Tarji' (repeating the Shahadatayn twice, first softly then loudly). Malik mandates two Takbirat at the beginning, resulting in seventeen phrases for him, while Al-Shafi'i mandates nineteen phrases. Their evidence is the tradition of Abu Mahdhurah where the Prophet instructed him to lower his voice for the Shahadatayn and then raise his voice for them.