What is the required posture concerning the Qibla during the Adhan?
Chapter on Adhan
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is established that the Mu'adhin (caller to prayer) must face the Qibla while calling the Adhan; no dispute is known concerning this, as the Mu'adhins of the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to face the Qibla. It is also recommended that the Mu'adhin turn his face to his right when saying 'Hayya 'ala as-Salah' (Come to prayer) and to his left when saying 'Hayya 'ala al-Falah' (Come to success). He must not move his feet away from facing the Qibla when turning his head, based on the narration of Abu Juhaifah where he saw Bilal calling the Adhan, turning his mouth hither and thither while his fingers were in his ears.
Supporting text
There are differing narrations attributed to Ahmad regarding one calling the Adhan from a minaret: one stating he does not turn due to the Hadith and because turning would mean facing away from the Qibla, which is disliked just as if he were on the ground; the second narration permits turning within the confines of the minaret because the announcement cannot be achieved otherwise, and achieving the purpose by violating a minor etiquette is preferable to the reverse. Some scholars suggest that turning the head is not required, based on the apparent meaning of the statement of Al-Kharqi and the view of Ash-Shafi'i.