What is the ruling on turning one’s head during the two *hay’atayn* in the adhan after the advent of loudspeakers in our time?
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The questioner : Noble Shaykh, what is the ruling on turning one’s head during the two *hay’atayn* in the adhan, especially after the advent of microphones?
The Shaykh : After the advent of loudspeakers, it is not recommended to turn one’s head, because the purpose of turning is to make known or to be heard by those on the right and on the left. For this reason, some scholars held that you say: “Hasten to prayer” to the right, “Hasten to prayer” to the left, “Hasten to success” to the right, “Hasten to success” to the left. However, with the presence of a loudspeaker, turning affects the sound, because if you turn, the microphone is not in front of you, and the sound becomes weak. But placing the index fingers in the ears is a recommended practice (sunnah), even if you are calling to prayer with a loudspeaker.
The questioner : Your Eminence, the Shaykh.
The Shaykh : With the right hand.
The Shaykh : After the advent of loudspeakers, it is not recommended to turn one’s head, because the purpose of turning is to make known or to be heard by those on the right and on the left. For this reason, some scholars held that you say: “Hasten to prayer” to the right, “Hasten to prayer” to the left, “Hasten to success” to the right, “Hasten to success” to the left. However, with the presence of a loudspeaker, turning affects the sound, because if you turn, the microphone is not in front of you, and the sound becomes weak. But placing the index fingers in the ears is a recommended practice (sunnah), even if you are calling to prayer with a loudspeaker.
The questioner : Your Eminence, the Shaykh.
The Shaykh : With the right hand.