Muezzin (Caller to Prayer)
The person who calls to prayer by reciting the adhan.
Muezzin (Arabic: مؤذن) is the person who calls to prayer by reciting the adhan from the mosque's minaret or another elevated place. The muezzin has an important and honored role in the Islamic community.
The first muezzin in Islam was Bilal ibn Rabah, an Ethiopian slave who was freed and became one of the Prophet's closest companions. Bilal was known for his beautiful and powerful voice. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said about the muezzin: "The muezzins will have the longest necks on the Day of Judgment" — a metaphor for their high rank.
Traditionally, the muezzin would ascend the minaret to call to prayer, but today loudspeakers are often used. In many Muslim countries, the adhan can be heard five times daily throughout the city.
Related terms
Tilawah (Quran Recitation)
Recitation of the Quran, which is a central part of prayer and daily worship.
Qiyas (Analogical Reasoning)
Legal analogy used to derive Islamic rules for new situations based on established rules.
Salah (Prayer)
The Islamic ritual prayer, performed five times daily.
Tawbah (Repentance)
Sincere repentance and return to Allah after sin.
Wilayah (Divine Authority)
The concept of divine authority and leadership in Shia Islam.
Salat al-Tasbih (The Prayer of Glorification)
A special voluntary prayer with 300 tasbih recitations, recommended for forgiveness of sins.