Scholars advise muezzins against rushing the call to prayer

Islamic scholars are advising muezzins to avoid rushing when reciting the adhan, the call to prayer, emphasizing the importance of a slow and deliberate delivery.

According to Syekh Muhammad Shiddiq Al Minsyawi in his book "Rajin Shalat tapi Masih Keliru" (Diligent in Prayer but Still Mistaken), a common error among some muezzins is hastening the recitation. This speed makes it challenging for those hearing the adhan to follow along and offer the appropriate responses.

Scholars like Ibnu Qasim, author of "Ar Raudh Al Murabba," recommend a slow recitation of the adhan, a practice considered advisable without dispute. Imam Al Qurtubi also stressed that a muezzin should recite the adhan slowly. Al Kamal bin Al Hammam clarifies that "slowly" in this context means pausing briefly between each phrase of the adhan.

Further elaborating on the nuances, Ibnu Najim distinguishes between the adhan and the iqamah (the second call to prayer, preceding the service). He suggests reciting the adhan slowly while speeding up the iqamah. Ibnu Hajar Al Haitsami supports the practice of pausing at each sentence of the adhan, citing its basis in tradition. He notes that this does not conflict with the sunnah of reciting the two takbirs of the adhan in unison, as there is a subtle pause after the first 'Allahu Akbar.'