(Worksheet) Q&A On The Athaan

(Worksheet) Q&A On The Athaan

By His Eminence Shaikh Ibn Baaz

1-Question: Some of the people say that if the Athaan is not called at the beginning of it’s time then there is no reason for it because the Athaan is to notify that the prayer has entered (it’s time). What is your opinion your eminence in that? And is the Athaan legislated for the lone individual in the desert?

The Answer: If the muaththin has not called the Athaan at the beginning of it’s time it is not legislated for him to call it after that, if he is in a place where all the muaththins except him, have fulfilled that which was requested from them (calling the Athaan). (However), if the delaying is insignificant (short) then there is no problem with his calling the Athaan.

On the other hand, if there is no one in that area (city/town) except him, then calling the Athaan is incumbent upon him even if he were to delay it, for the Athaan in this case is a “collective duty” and no one is there to establish it except him; consequently making it an obligation upon him being that he is responsible for it (the Athaan) and that the people in most cases are waiting for him.

As for the traveler then the Athaan has been legislated for him even if he is alone. For what has been reliably reported in Al-Bukhaari on the authority of Aboo Sa`eed (radi Allahu ‘anhu) that he (ﷺ) said, to a man,

“If you were with your sheep in the desert then raise your voice with the call (to prayer) for indeed the range of the muaththin’s voice is not heard by a jinn nor a human nor a thing except that it witnesses for him on the day of resurrection.”

This is reported from the Prophet (ﷺ) and for the generality of other Hadeeth regarding the legislation of the Athaan and its benefits.

2-Question: Is the Athaan and the Iqaamah legislated for the women regardless if they were in town (city) by themselves or in the desert isolated or with a group?

The Answer: The Athaan nor the Iqaamah are legislated for the women regardless if they were in there city or traveling. Rather, the Athaan and the Iqaamah are for the men as the authentic hadeeth of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) have shown.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. What is the main topic of the article?

2. What is the purpose of the Athaan?

3. What is the ruling if the Athaan is not called at the very start of the prayer time?

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