When was azaan started and why?

Answer 1

The Introduction of Azaan

After the completion of Masjid-e-Nabawee Shareef, there had still been no medium through which the people could be informed of the time regarding congregational Salah.

When Rasoolullah (S.A.W) consulted the Sahaba Ikraam (R.A) regarding this, some suggested a fire be lit, some said a bell should be used, while others proposed a bugle (horn) be used.

These methods were not preferred by Rasoolullah (S.A.W)as they were also used by the Kuffaar to gather people. Hence, Hazrat Umar Farooq (R.A) said that someone should go around Madina announcing the time of Salah.

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) liked this idea and ordered Hazrat Bilal (R.A) to do so, who would pass through the city saying, "As-Salaatu Jaami'atun", for all five daily Salah.

It was during this time that a Sahaabi named Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaid Ansaari(R.A) had a dream in which the Azaan (i.e. the present Azaan) was being read, a dream thereafter seen by Rasoolullah (S.A.W), Hazrat Umar Farooq (R.A) and other Sahaba (R.A) as well.

Rasoolullah (S.A.W) accepted this as an order from Allah (S.W.T) and instructed Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaid (R.A)to teach Hazrat Bilal (R.A) its words, seeing that he had a louder voice; and thus, from that day onwards and until Qiyaamah, the method of reading Azaan had begun. (Zarqaani, Vol. 1, Pg.376)

Answer 2

The practice of azaan, the Islamic call to prayer, was introduced during the time of Prophet Muhammad in the early seventh century. It was established to notify the Muslim community of the time for daily prayers, reflecting the importance of prayer in Islam. Azaan serves as a reminder for Muslims to fulfill their religious duty and connect with God throughout the day.