In the early morning hours, when I am lying in bed, I love to listen to the sounds of nature, specifically birds, welcoming in the new day.

But, there is one sound that I love over all of the rest. It is the Adhan, the call to salah (prayer).

I lived in Saudi Arabia for a brief period and woke up each and everyday to this beautiful call….the best wake up call one could ask for, and it is the most peaceful sound, the call for all to stop their worldly activities and remember Allah (SWT).

The Adhan is heard five times a day in and near local mosques in America. In Muslim countries….SubhanAllah…..it is heard from all directions, from each and every mosque. It’s sound is mystical, especially as the muezzin (the person chosen to call the prayer) from each mosque may start a few seconds after another muezzin from another mosque. The sound, the call, the words….amazing.

In Saudi Arabia, where ever you are, when it is time for salah, the Adhan is called. Stores shut their doors, businesses close for a brief time, and all Muslims make time to have their private conversation with Allah (SWT).

The Adhan

Allahu Akbar         Allahu Akbar   (Allah SWT is the greatest)

Allahu Akbar         Allahu Akbar

Ashhadu an la ilaha ill Allah (I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah)

Ashhadu an la ilaha ill Allah

Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasool Allah (I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah

Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasool Allah

Hayya ‘ala-s-Salah (hurry to prayer)

Hayya ‘ala-s-Salah

Hayya ‘ala-l-Falah  (Hurry to success)

Hayya ‘ala-l-Falah

Allahu Akbar           Allahu Akbar

La illaha illa Allah