Ephesus Local Customs

A mosque is symbolically very important to Muslims, and is a humble way for man to recreate pure divine presence on earth.

The implementation of minarets, were both for embellishment of the mosques, and for the functionality of the mosques, as calling for prayer, ezan, from ground level, did not carry more than a few blocks. Often a recorded ‘call’ is used today.

Azan is recited in a loud voice by the Muezzin facing the direction of the Ka'ba in the following words, which are said in the order mentioned:

"Allahu Akbar" - recited FOUR times.

Meaning, "Allah is Most Great."(four times)

"Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allah" - recited TWO times.

Meaning, "I bear witness that there is none worthy of being worshipped except Allah."(twice)

"Ash-hadu anna Muhammad-ar-Rasoolullah" - recited TWO times.

Meaning, "I bear witness that Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah."(recited twice)

"Hayya 'alas-Salah" - recited TWO times.

Meaning, "Come to prayer."(turning the face alone to the right and saying it twice)

"Hayya 'alal-falah" - recited TWO times.

Meaning, "Come to Success."(turning the face alone to the left and saying it twice)

"Allahu Akbar" - recited TWO times.

Meaning, "Allah is Most Great" (face back to front and saying it two times).

Morning (Fajr) Prayers

The following phrase is added after "Hayya 'alal-falah" in the Azan of the early morning prayers:

"As-salatu khairum minannaum" - recited Two times.

Meaning, "Prayer is better than sleep" (recited two times).

Needless to say it is a rather neat thing to hear the call to prayer coming from many mosques all at once.