The phrases of the Adhan, one by one

Allahu akbar — God is greater. Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah — I testify there is no god but God. Ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasul Allah — I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of God. Ashhadu anna Aliyyan Waliyyullah — I testify that Ali is the wali of Allah. Ashhadu anna Aliyyan Hujjatullah — I testify that Ali is the proof of Allah. Hayya 'ala al-salah — Come to prayer. Hayya 'ala al-falah — Come to success. Hayya 'ala khayr al-'amal — Come to the best of deeds. Allahu akbar. La ilaha illa Allah.

Repetition counts differ by phrase and are preserved in the full Arabic text page.

Learn the phrases in pairs rather than all at once. The testimony lines are the longest, so practise their Arabic and meanings slowly before joining them to the calls that follow.

Each phrase is either a declaration about God, a testimony, or an invitation. Noticing which of the three you are reciting makes the shape of the call much easier to remember.

This page was drafted editorially and is awaiting review by a qualified Ja'fari scholar. Treat it as an educational summary, not a personal religious ruling. Where practice varies, follow the guidance of your marja.