Requirements For Calling the Athaan

16-7-2018 | IslamWeb

Question:

What are the requirements in regard to age, beard and clothing for the person who call athan.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Regarding age; there is no difference in opinion that the Athaan of a person who has reached the age of puberty is valid. Puberty is confirmed by one of the following signs: sperm discharge (wet dreams), pubic hair becomes thicker (coarse hair) or reaching the age of fifteen according to the lunar calendar.

As for the one who has not yet reached the age of puberty, like a young boy who has reached the age of Tamyeez (can distinguish between right and wrong and between an attractive woman and an ugly one), then there is a difference amongst the scholars regarding the validity of the Athaan he makes; the majority of the scholars are of the opinion that his Athaan is valid.

Growing the beard is mandatory and, therefore, one must grow it whether he calls the Athaan or not in order to be acting in compliance with the Sunnah of the Prophet . Athaan that is called by someone who shaves his beard is valid.

Finally, there is no specific outfit that one must wear before he can call the Athaan. One can wear anything he wishes as long as it is permissible. However, one should dress presentably in a way that befits the status of this great ritual.

Allah knows best.