What is the criterion for responding to the call to congregational prayer? Is it by hearing the adhan? Or by the loudspeaker, the natural voice, or by knowing the time?

The Shaykh : Yes.

The questioner : Shaykh, regarding the issue of hearing the call, is the obligation to attend the prayer conditioned on hearing the call, or is it based on something beyond that, namely knowing that the time has entered? I mean, in Saudi Arabia, this is a common situation: the mosque is close to the house, but the interior of the house has air conditioners and noises that prevent hearing the call. So, is it obligatory for me to go when I know that the time has entered?

The Shaykh : Without a doubt, if you know; because the adhan is a means of notification. If the means of knowing the arrival of the prayer time is not available to you through the adhan, but through another means, then the cause that obligates you to go to congregational prayer has been fulfilled.