Learn about Shia Adhan ( Azan ) ,The Adhan is the Islamic call to prayer. Here is an English translation of the Adhan, including some differences according to different Islamic sects ( Sunni & Shia ), Adhan Urdu/Englihs/Arbic Translation.
The root of the word is adhina meaning “to listen, to hear, be informed about”. Another derivative of this word is udhun, meaning “ear”. Adhan is called out by a muezzin from the mosque five times a day, traditionally from the minaret, summoning Muslims for mandatory (fard) worship (salat).
Difference between Sunni & Shia Adhan ( Azan )
Recital | Arabic | Transliteration | Translation | Sect |
4x* | ![]() | Allah u Akbar | God is greater | Sunni & Shia |
2x | ![]() | Ash-hadu alla ilaha illallah | I bear witness that there is no lord except God | Sunni & Shia |
2x | ![]() | Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah | I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God | Sunni & Shia |
2x** | ![]() | Ash-hadu anna Aliya wali-ul-lah | I bear witness that Ali is the vice regent of God | Shia Only |
2x | ![]() | Hayya ‘alas-salat | Make haste towards prayer | Sunni & Shia |
2x | ![]() | Hayya ‘alal-falah | Make haste towards welfare | Sunni & Shia |
2x*** | ![]() | Assalatu khayru min an-naum | Prayer is better than sleep | Sunni Only |
2x | ![]() | Hayya- al Khair al amal | Make haste towards the best thing | Shia Only |
2x | ![]() | Allah u Akbar | God is greater | Sunni & Shia |
2x**** | ![]() | La ilaha illallah | There is no lord except God | Sunni & Shia |
* Followers of the Maliki Madhab say this line twice instead of four times.
*** The line “Prayer is better than sleep” is recited by Sunnis only for the first prayer of the day at dawn (fajr salat).
**** Shias repeat this line twice.