The second Azan for Friday Prayer was added by Uthman bin 'Affan.
The Introduction of the Second Adhan
Historically, the practice of calling the Adhan (the call to prayer) for the Friday congregational prayer (Salat al-Jumu'ah) evolved over time. According to Islamic historical accounts, the second Adhan was not part of the initial practice during the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the first Caliph, Abu Bakr, and the second Caliph, Umar.
Historical Context
As the Muslim community grew and the city of Medina expanded, particularly during the caliphate of Uthman bin 'Affan, the population increased significantly. This increase meant that people lived further away from the Prophet's Mosque, making it difficult for everyone to hear the single call to prayer given just before the Imam sat on the pulpit.
Reference Information:
- The provided reference explicitly states: "Uthman bin 'Affan introduced the second Adhan on Fridays when the number of the people in the mosque increased."
To address this practical challenge and ensure that more people were alerted in time to attend the Friday prayer, Caliph Uthman bin 'Affan introduced an additional call to prayer. This new call was given earlier, typically from a place known as al-Zawra', which was a market area in Medina, serving as a signal for people to prepare and head to the mosque.
Previous Practice
Prior to this innovation by Uthman bin 'Affan, the practice was different:
- The reference mentions: "Previously the Adhan on Fridays used to be pronounced only after the Imam had taken his seat (on the pulpit)."
This single Adhan served to gather the already present congregation immediately before the sermon (Khutbah) began. The addition of the second (earlier) Adhan became necessary due to the growth of the Muslim population and the subsequent need for an earlier notification.
Summary of Adhan for Friday Prayer
Here's a simple comparison:
| Era | Number of Adhans | Timing | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prophet Muhammad & Early Caliphs | One | After Imam sits on pulpit | Gather congregation before sermon |
| Uthman bin 'Affan onwards | Two | 1st: Earlier (e.g., from al-Zawra') 2nd: After Imam sits on pulpit |
Announce prayer time & allow preparation Gather congregation before sermon |
This second Adhan, introduced by Uthman bin 'Affan, became a standard practice and is followed in most Muslim communities today. It is considered a beneficial innovation (Bid'ah Ḥasanah) because it serves a practical need derived from the expansion of the community, aligning with the overall objectives of Islamic law (Maqasid al-Shari'ah) to facilitate the performance of religious duties.
