Q 2: In the Masjid (mosque) of the town where I work, the Mu'adhin (caller to Prayer) is used to add the word "Sayyiduna" (our master) by saying "Ashhadu Anna Sayyiduna Muhammadan Rasulu Allah (I bear witness that our master Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah)". I believe that one should say during the Adhan (call to Prayer) "Ashhadu Anna Muhammadan Rasulu Allah" without the word "Sayyiduna". However, many people object to this, especially that our town has fourteen Masjids and all of them say in their Adhan "Ashhadu Anna Sayyiduna Muhammadan Rasulu Allah". Who is right, and which of the two sayings is sounder and better?Please advise me in this regard, as I think my view is the one reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him). I also believe that since we face the direction of the
Ka`bah
in Salah (Prayer), we have to follow the way of pronouncing the Adhan.
A:
Adding the word "Sayyiduna" to the Adhan is not permissible; it is rather one of the innovated matters which should be avoided. The words of the Adhan are reported in the books of Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) and none of them contains the word "Sayyiduna". Therefore, we should adhere to the reported words and add nothing to them.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.