Islamic Call To Prayer

The Islamic adhan, or call to prayer, is recited in Arabic 5 times each day by the muezzin who are chosen by the mosque because of their good character, voice, and skills. The main purpose of the call to prayer is to inform everyone, both Muslim believers and non-believers, of Islam's main beliefs and spiritual ideology. Upon hearing the call, Muslims are expected to stop what they are doing and carry out their prayers in a mosque or prayer room. Only men may enter mosques, but prayer rooms separated by men and women can be found in various establishments including airports, restaurants, and large stores.

Because the call to prayer is recited over loud speakers from the minaret of every mosque—and there are dozens of mosques around each corner—the enchanting sound appears to rise above the city and swirl hypnotically through the air before dipping down into every ear whether awake or asleep.

When do Muslims pray?

1. Before sunrise

2. After midday

3. Mid afternoon

4. Sunset

5. Evening

A translation of the Sunni Islam prayer, or Salah:

God is the greatest.

I bear witness that there is no deity except God.

I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God.

Make haste towards worship.

Come to the true success.

Prayer is better than sleep.**

God is the greatest.

There is no deity except God.

** The line, "prayer is better than sleep," is used only in the first prayers of the day at dawn.