Moment of Ehsaan: A Call to Success

In the name of God, compassionate & merciful بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Peace be with you السلام عليكم

One of the most profound aspects of Islam in action is the five daily prayers and the call to prayer: the Adhaan (call to prayer). Many have been astounded by the beauty of how it has led them to seek faith. Yet I have overlooked it so often and never really reflected on what the Mu’adhin is saying.

At an Islamic course I attended many different people read the Adhaan, each in a uniquely beautiful manner. The last Adhaan kind of hit my heart hard, as if it were knocking off a layer of concrete. I’d like to share what is actually said five times a day in the masjid, with a personal mini message:

1) Allahu Akbar = Allah is Great x 4

Whatever you are doing at that moment in time should be stopped and you should listen, and then make your way to prayer as Allah is greater and more important than anything you do. Yet if you continue reading a book, doing your homework, or cooking for example, then it’s as though you find that action greater than Allah. We are reminded here four times as to how great He is, greater than what we are currently doing. The opening lines of the Adhaan are a Moment of Ehsaan alone.

2) Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah = I bear witness that there is no god except the One God x2

Here we are reminded of the Muslim declaration of faith we took either when we converted to Islam, or accepted it when older. Reminding us of what should be imprinted on our heart, as well as mentally preparing our state of mind. As we need to be focused all the time.

3) Ashhadu Anna Muhammad an Rasool Allah = I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah x2

We’re reminded of the perfect example in Muhammad we should follow all the time, to be like him. We also professed our belief in his authority as a Rasool (messenger) in the declaration of faith.

4) Ha’yya 'ala-s-Salah = Hurry to the prayer/Rise up for prayer x2

A commanding verb is used hayya = ‘Hurry’ as we do not know how long we have to live, and must hasten to do good deeds. Also to rush to pray on time as it is more rewarding.

5) Hayya 'ala-l-Falah = Hurry to success/Rise up for Salvation x2

Prayer to Allah is success. We all want to be successful in our lives in the Dunya (worldly life) and in the Akhirah (next life) and here we have this excellent opportunity, so take it!

6) Allahu Akbar = Allah is Great x2

Again we are reminded of what is truly important in our daily lives and that we should attentively listened to and repeated the words after the Adhaan.

7) La ilaha illa Allah = There is no god except the One God

Nothing else is worth your time and effort, except those things done for the sake of Allah. Nothing in this world is independent from Allah, so you should now have turned away from what you were doing and made your way to pray to Allah, or to do Wudhu (ablution). The kalima – ‘there is no god but Allah’ is the final call to you. This was your belief, therefore this salah is what you must consistently do: Listening, accepting and reflecting on what has just been said.

For the pre-dawn (fajr) prayer, the following phrase is inserted after the 7th line:

8) As-salatu Khayru'Minan-nawm = Prayer is better than sleep x2

If you live in a Muslim country I greatly envy you, as you hear the Adhaan so often. I remember in Ramadhan I wanted everyone in my house to stop what they were doing and all pray together so I downloaded from YouTube a Mu’adhin (from Masjid Al-Haram I think) to call the Adhaan and I played it really loud every Salaah time. Muahaha! It was lovely.

Listening is vital, without talking to another or focusing on something else. Listening to the words of the Adhaan is indescribable when you have true Imaan (faith/piety) in your heart and reflect. I find the Adhaan is like a gift from Allah as it guides and reminds us, not once but five times a day. Are you thankful for it? Or do you at least show respect and listen to it?

How can we find happiness and success if we turn to other things? Can a doctor cure lack of Imaan? No. Can Allah? Of course yes! Can my family and friends forgive me for all the wrong I have done, polish my heart and return it safe and sound? No. Can Allah? Of course yes, and He is waiting for us to knock on his door every day, every Salaah time, every time you hear the words… ‘Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar’.

So isn’t it time to pray our Salaah?

May Allah’s peace and blessings be on you, and may we all turn back to Allah whole heartedly insha’Allah, not tomorrow but now.

By The Wanderer | Peace & respect ★ | www.Muslimness.com

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