Sunnats and Aadaab of Azaan and Iqaamah – Part 1

The Qualities of a Muazzin

1. The muazzin should be a male.

عن ابن عمر رضي الله عنهما قال ليس على النساء أذان ولا إقامة (السنن الكبرى للبيهقي، الرقم: 1996)

It is reported that Hazrat Ibnu Umar (radhiyallahu anhuma) said, “Calling out the azaan and iqaamah is not the responsibility of women.”

2. He should be sane.
3. He should be of the age of understanding. The azaan of a small child who has not reached the age of understanding is not valid.
4. He should be able to pronounce the words of azaan correctly.
5. He should have knowledge of the salaah times.
6. He should be a pious and upright Muslim.

عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ليؤذن لكم خياركم وليؤمكم قراؤكم (سنن أبي داود، الرقم: 590)

Hazrat Ibnu Abbaas (radhiyallahu anhuma) reports that Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, “The best (most righteous) from amongst you should be appointed to call out the azaan, and the best qaari from amongst you (i.e. the most learned in regard to recitation and the masaail of salaah) should lead you in your salaah.”