The Shia-Sunni Adhān: A Call to Defending Sectarian Craving for Islamic Authority

Abstract

The formulation of azan (call to prayer) has been the subject of endless contestation between Shia and Sunni Muslims. It covers the issue of its authentic origin, phrase variations, and underlying arguments. It said that the debate is based not only on legal considerations but also on the perceived historical background with regard to the origins of the call to prayer and the theological implications regarding sahih hadith as an authoritative Islamic reference. The article offers theoretical significance for understanding sectarian discourse and practical insights that go beyond conflict and foster harmony and peace in Shia-Sunni relations by employing a multi-step methodology to investigate the discourse of disagreement in the formulation of adhān phrases within the Shia-Sunni context and its implications for Islamic authority. It begins with establishing a theoretical framework to comprehend sectarian variations, followed by a thorough literature review incorporating scholarly articles, historical records, and religious texts. Building on this, a comparative analysis examines wording and content discrepancies in the adhān between Shia and Sunni traditions. Additionally, the research delves into historical records and manuscripts, tracing the origins of disagreements over the adhān, while a theological analysis explores the religious foundations influencing the variations. The study found that Shia-Sunni debates and tensions over the call to prayer can serve as a scholarly entry point to understanding the differences and root causes between the two. In addition, this article will be an enlightenment to dispel prejudices and tensions among fellow Muslims by acknowledging and appreciating each other's differences.