Pronunciation: [ˈazən] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of "azzan", meaning the Islamic call to prayer, is actually "adhan". The Arabic word for the call to prayer is transliterated into English as "adhan" with a long "a" sound. The "z" sound in the incorrect spelling of "azzan" comes from confusion with the Arabic letter "ذ". In IPA phonetic transcription, "adhan" is pronounced as /ʔæˈðæn/, with the stress on the second syllable.
Azzan is an Arabic term that is primarily associated with the Islamic tradition, specifically the act of the Muslim call to prayer known as Adhan. The word "azzan" originates from the Arabic root "azzana," which means "to hear" or "to listen." In essence, it refers to the vocal proclamation of the Adhan, which serves as a significant means of communication for Muslims.
During Islamic prayers, the azzan is chanted five times daily by a person called a muezzin, typically from a mosque's minaret. The azzan announces the time for each of the five obligatory prayers, inviting Muslims to engage in worship and reminding them of their religious duties. It includes a series of phrases and verses that emphasize monotheism, the greatness of Allah, and the allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad.
The recitation of the azzan is a deeply revered practice within Islam, bearing historical and cultural significance. It symbolizes the unity of Muslims and the universal message of Islam. The melodious and harmonious nature of the azzan holds the power to beckon believers towards prayer and spiritual contemplation.
In addition to its religious connotation, the word "azzan" can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe any powerful call or proclamation that captures attention or stirs a response. Overall, "azzan" encompasses both the physical act of reciting the Adhan and the spiritual essence it carries within the Islamic faith.
The word "azzan", also spelled "adhan", is derived from the Arabic language. Its etymology can be traced back to the Arabic root اذان (adhana), which means "to inform" or "to proclaim". In Islamic terminology, "azzan" refers to the call to prayer made by a muezzin, traditionally from the mosque's minaret, to inform people that it is time for prayer. The word has its origins in the early Islamic period and is widely used within the Islamic world.
