the qualified reports, in accordance with the established juristic principles. On this basis, the phrase “Prayer is better than sleep” is not one of the approved wordings of the adhān that summon people to the prayer and announce that its time has begun; rather, it was legislated solely to rouse those who are asleep. For the full discussion see Sabil al-Salām, 167–168.
Note: Al-Ṭaḥāwī (1/81–82) devoted a chapter to the muʾadhdhin’s saying in the dawn adhān, “Prayer is better than sleep.” He reported that some scholars disliked this addition, whereas others approved of it, and concluded, “It is the view of Abū Ḥanīfah, Abū Yūsuf, and Muḥammad, may Allah have mercy on them.” Yet this contradicts the explicit statement of Imām Muḥammad in his Muwatta, where he said (no. 84): “ ‘Prayer is better than sleep’ is to be proclaimed in the call for dawn after the adhān is finished, and nothing should be added to the adhān that was not originally part of it.” This is a clear indication that saying the phrase within the Fajr adhān—as al-Ṭaḥāwī held—is not recommended; it should be uttered only afterward. Allah knows best.
The second circumstance that warrants an additional phrase is severe cold or rain. After “Come to success,” or once the adhān is concluded, the muʾadhdhin adds, “Pray in your dwellings,” or says, “Whoever remains seated incurs no blame.”
There are ḥadiths regarding this:
- From Ibn ʿAbbās, narrated by ʿAbd Allāh ibn al-Ḥārith:
Ibn ʿAbbās once addressed us on a muddy, rainy day. When the muʾadhdhin reached “Come to prayer,” he instructed him to call out, “Pray in your dwellings.” The people looked at one another, and he said