What is the prescribed manner for the Mu'adhin (caller to prayer) regarding his fingers during the Adhan?
Chapter on Adhan
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is recommended that the Mu'adhin place his fingers in his ears when calling the Adhan. This is the practice upheld by the people of knowledge. Evidence for this is found in the narration from Abu Juhayfah that Bilal performed the Adhan while placing his fingers in his ears, which is agreed upon. Furthermore, it is reported from Sa'd, the Mu'adhin of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, that the Prophet commanded Bilal to place his fingers in his ears because it would make his voice louder.
Supporting text
A different report from Abu Talib narrates that Ahmad preferred that the Mu'adhin place his hands over his ears, based on the Hadith of Abu Mahdhurah, which involves bringing the four fingers together and placing them over the ears. Abu Hafs related from Ibn Battah that Abu al-Qasim al-Khiraqi demonstrated placing both hands over the ears with the fingers gathered on the palms. This view is supported by a narration from Ibn Umar commanding the Mu'adhin to gather his fingers with his palms and place them over his ears, and the narration of Imam Ahmad regarding Abu Mahdhurah gathering his fingers. However, the first narration (placing fingers in ears) is considered sounder due to the authenticity and prevalence of its Hadith and the established practice upon it. Nevertheless, performing either method is good, and omitting both actions incurs no blame.