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Muezzin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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muezzin

[muหหˆษ›zษชn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

Islamic call

A muezzin is a person who calls Muslims to prayer, known as the adhan, from a mosque's minaret or a designated place within the mosque. The role of the muezzin is crucial in the Islamic faith, as it serves as a reminder for worshippers to fulfill their religious duties. Traditionally, the muezzin performs this task five times a day, coinciding with the five daily prayers in Islam. The muezzin's voice must be clear and melodious to effectively call adherents to join in prayer.

Synonyms

adhan announcer, caller to prayer.

Examples of usage

  • The muezzin's call echoed throughout the town at sunset.
  • Every day, the muezzin climbs the minaret to announce the prayer times.
  • Children gathered to listen to the muezzin as he called for the evening prayer.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many Muslim-majority countries, the muezzinโ€™s call can be heard five times a day, creating a rhythm in daily life.
  • The call to prayer, or 'Adhan', is often delivered from a mosque's minaret, emphasizing its importance in community gathering.

Religious Practices

  • A muezzin performs the Adhan, which includes specific phrases that honor God and invite prayer.
  • The role requires a strong voice and good pronunciation, as the call must be clear for everyone to hear.

Historical Context

  • During the early caliphates, muezzins were a vital part of urban life, helping to instill the day's religious schedule.
  • Some historical muezzins gain noteworthy recognition in their communities for their talented calls.

Modern Influence

  • In contemporary society, the Adhan can also be broadcast through loudspeakers and even shared via digital platforms.
  • Cities around the world have incorporated the muezzin's call into their cultural identity, sometimes mixing traditional sounds with modern interpretations.

Origin of 'muezzin'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from Arabic, where it is derived from 'adhan', meaning to call or announce.
  • Historically, the role of the muezzin began in the early days of Islam when Prophet Muhammad instructed a companion to call worshippers to prayer.

The term muezzin originates from the Arabic word 'ู…ุคุฐู†' (muโ€™adhin), which is derived from the root 'ุฃุฐู†' (adhina), meaning 'to listen' or 'to hear.' This signifies the role of the muezzin not only as a caller but also as someone who ensures that the faithful are attentive to the call to prayer. The function of the muezzin dates back to the time of Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century, when Bilal ibn Rabah, who was known for his beautiful voice, was appointed as the first muezzin. His significant role in the early Muslim community set a precedent for the importance of this position in mosques throughout the world. As Islamic practices spread, the tradition of having a designated person to call to prayer became widespread, and the muezzin has continued to be an integral part of Islamic worship.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,397, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.