Why do Muslims call the name of King Akbar during the call to prayer?

Islamic FAQ: Why do Muslims call the name of King Akbar during the call to prayer?

 

Question:

Islamic FAQ: Why do Muslims call the name of King Akbar during the call to prayer?

Answer:

This is one of the frequently asked questions (FAQ).

Muslims perform their prayers five times everyday. Before the performance of a prayer in the mosque (Masjid), a call to prayer is made publicly in a loud voice from the minaret of the mosque. This call to prayer is known azaan (adhaan). In the azaan, there are few Arabic phrases which are repeated totally 15 times. One of the phrases is “Allaahu Akbar”, which means ‘Allaah is Great’. Since Muslims call God with the name as ‘Allaah’, this phrase gets interpreted as ‘God is Great’.

It is surprising to know that many non-Muslims in India think that the word ‘Akbar’ in the azaan refers to the Mughal King Akbar of India. But in fact, this is not true. The word ‘Akbar’ means ‘Great’ and therefore God is called as Great. Thus, God is referred to in the azaan as ‘Allaahu Akbar’ to declare that God is the Greatest.

 

Full Azaan Phrases

1. Allaahu Akbar [God is Great]
2. Allaahu Akbar [God is Great]
3. Allaahu Akbar [God is Great]
4. Allaahu Akbar [God is Great]
5. Ash’hadu Allaa Ilaaha Illallaah [I bear witness that nothing is worthy of worship except God]
6. Ash’hadu Allaa Ilaaha Illallaah [I bear witness that nothing is worthy of worship except God]
7. Ash’hadu Anna Muhammadar Rasoolullaah [I bear witness that Muhammad is messenger of God]
8. Ash’hadu Anna Muhammadar Rasoolullaah [I bear witness that Muhammad is messenger of God]
9. Hayya Alas Salaah [Rush for prayer]
10. Hayya Alas Salaah [Rush for prayer]
11. Hayya Alal Falaah [Rush for success]
12. Hayya Alal Falaah [Rush for success]
13. Allaahu Akbar [God is Great]
14. Allaahu Akbar [God is Great]
15. Laa laaha Illallaah [Nothing is worthy of worship except God].