Is this hadith authentic?

This hadith is graded Sahih. Sahih hadiths are considered the most authentic grade in hadith classification.

Which collection is this hadith from?

This hadith is from Sahih al-Bukhari, which contains 7,277 hadiths across 97 books. It is hadith number 592 in the Book of Call to Prayers (Adhaan).

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#591

#592

Sahih al-Bukhari

#593

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Sahih al-Bukhari #592

Q: What is Sahih al-Bukhari 592 about?

This hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (Book of Call to Prayers (Adhaan)), narrated by Narrated Anas bin Malik:, states: "When the number of Muslims increased they discussed the question as to how to know the time for the prayer by some familiar means. Some suggested that a fire be lit (at the time of the prayer) and o…"

Call to Prayers (Adhaan)

Sahih

The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدٌ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ الْوَهَّابِ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا خَالِدٌ الْحَذَّاءُ، عَنْ أَبِي قِلاَبَةَ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ لَمَّا كَثُرَ النَّاسُ قَالَ ـ ذَكَرُوا ـ أَنْ يَعْلَمُوا وَقْتَ الصَّلاَةِ بِشَىْءٍ يَعْرِفُونَهُ، فَذَكَرُوا أَنْ يُورُوا نَارًا أَوْ يَضْرِبُوا نَاقُوسًا، فَأُمِرَ بِلاَلٌ أَنْ يَشْفَعَ الأَذَانَ وَأَنْ يُوتِرَ الإِقَامَةَ‏.‏

When the number of Muslims increased they discussed the question as to how to know the time for the prayer by some familiar means. Some suggested that a fire be lit (at the time of the prayer) and others put forward the proposal to ring the bell. Bilal was ordered to pronounce the wording of Adhan twice and of the Iqama once only.

Narrated by Narrated Anas bin Malik:

Context

As the Muslim community grew, there was a need for a reliable method to announce prayer times. Various suggestions were made, including lighting a fire or ringing a bell. Ultimately, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ instructed Bilal to call the Adhan twice and the Iqama once, establishing a practice that would become integral to Islamic worship.

Modern Application

In today's world, the Adhan serves as a reminder for Muslims to pause and engage in prayer, fostering a sense of community and discipline. Many mosques use loudspeakers to broadcast the Adhan, ensuring that everyone is aware of prayer times.

Topics

This hadith is tagged with Prayer and Prophetic Conduct because it illustrates the establishment of the Adhan as a means to call the community to prayer, reflecting the Prophet's ﷺ guidance in religious practices.

Prayer Prophetic Conduct