What is the ruling on saying Isti`adhah

Q: It is common in the city of Jizan to hear a reminder before the Fajr (Dawn) Adhan (call to Prayer) announcing "Come to Salah (Prayer), may Allah guide you. Come to Salah, you sleepers. Come to Salah, you heedless people. Come to Salah, do not let Satan deceive you and overtake the rewards. Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest), Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but Allah). Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillah Al-Hamd (Praise be to Allah). Allah is the Greatest, many Praises be to Allah, and may Allah be Exalted in the morning and in the afternoon." In addition, we recite some Ayahs of the Qur'an and short Surahs. Is this a Sunnah (supererogatory act of worship) reported from the Prophet or one of his Sahabah (Companions, may Allah be pleased with them)? What is the ruling on this, Your Honor? Please advise, may Allah bless you and preserve you as a source of knowledge serving Islam and the Muslims.


A: These utterances are groundless, whether said before or after the Adhan. It is sufficient to pronounce the Adhan in the manner ordained by Allah to inform the people that the time of Salah is due; following the way of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and his Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them). We should not add anything to announce that the time has arrived, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, Anyone who introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it will have it rejected. (Part No. 6; Page No. 100) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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