Introduction of the Third Adhan by Uthman

إضافة الأذان الثالث لعثمان

The introduction of the Third Adhan by Uthman refers to a significant practical development during the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan, the third Rightly Guided Caliph. This event saw the addition of an extra call to prayer specifically for the congregational Friday prayer (Jumu'ah). Before Uthman's time, there were two calls for Jumu'ah: the initial adhan when the Imam ascended the pulpit, and the iqamah just before the prayer began. However, as the city of Medina grew rapidly and its population expanded, people living further away from the Prophet's Mosque found it difficult to hear the call and gather in time. To address this challenge, Caliph Uthman, after consulting with the companions, introduced a "third" adhan. This call was given from a higher place in the marketplace of Medina (known as Az-Zawra) to ensure that all citizens were alerted and could prepare to attend the blessed Jumu'ah prayer, as enjoined by Allah when He says, [O you who have believed, when ˹the call is made for the prayer on Friday, then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade]. This innovation, driven by necessity and the common good, became an enduring practice within the Muslim community, helping believers to [remember Allah often that you may succeed] in fulfilling their religious duties. It exemplifies how early Islamic leadership adapted practices to serve the needs of a growing community while upholding the essence of Islamic worship.