noun
adhan
ah-DHAHN
Adhan (noun) means the Islamic call to prayer, usually recited by a muezzin before each of the five daily prayers. Example: “The adhan rang out from the mosque's minaret at dawn.”
noun
1
The Islamic call to prayer, usually recited by a muezzin before each of the five daily prayers.
"The adhan rang out from the mosque's minaret at dawn."
"A muezzin recited the adhan before the midday prayer began."
"Visitors paused in the square as the adhan sounded across the city."
How to use adhan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe adhan is the call that tells Muslims it is time for prayer.
When to use it
It is a specific religious term used in the context of Islamic practice rather than general speech.
Memory tip
You may also see it spelled azan or athan, which refer to the same call to prayer.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
hear the adhan
recite the adhan
the adhan sounds
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The _____ rang out from the mosque's minaret at dawn.
Etymology
Adhan was borrowed directly into English from Arabic, where it is written أذان.
Rhymes for adhan
See all rhymes for adhan →Frequently asked questions
What is the adhan?
It is the call to prayer in Islam, recited before each of the five obligatory daily prayers.
Who recites the adhan?
It is usually recited by a muezzin, the person responsible for calling the community to prayer.
How many times a day is the adhan recited?
It is recited five times a day, once before each of the five daily prayers.
What is the meaning of adhan?
"adhan" (noun) means the Islamic call to prayer, usually recited by a muezzin before each of the five daily prayers.
