Is it permissible to say to the mu'adhdhin, "Well done," on a permanent basis?

The Shaykh: Well done, but this is not mentioned in the Sunnah.

The questioner: To the mu'adhdhin, every time he calls to prayer, we say to him, "Well done."

The Shaykh: Not specifically; what was reported was in a general sense.

The questioner: To the mu'adhdhin.

The Shaykh: In a general sense, meaning without specifying the mu'adhdhin, as came in "Sahih al-Bukhari": that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was on a journey.

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh: And when the time for the Fajr prayer came, he went out to relieve himself.

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh: And al-Mughirah ibn Shu'bah was with him.

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh: And he was wearing leather socks. After he relieved himself, he performed wudu', and al-Mughirah ibn Shu'bah poured the water for his ablution. When it came time to wash the feet, he intended to remove the leather socks. He said: , then they proceeded to the mosque; that is, the mosque that had been set up in the desert for prayer. The Companions had been waiting for the Messenger (peace be upon him) as usual, but they thought he was delayed, so they appointed 'Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Awf to lead them in prayer. When the Messenger (peace be upon him) and al-Mughirah arrived, al-Mughirah saw the people praying; they were not praying behind the Messenger, but behind another person. He gestured, intending to signal to them, and said: . Then the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) and al-Mughirah followed 'Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Awf. Then 'Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Awf completed the prayer and said the closing salam, and they came and completed one rak'ah. When the people finished their prayer, they were greatly surprised; for it was the Messenger praying as a follower, whereas the rule is that he should be the imam. Therefore, the matter was great in their eyes, and he perceived that in their faces, so he said to them: . So the word "well done" to someone on a specific occasion is good, but to commit to saying it to the mu'adhdhin... may Allah make your hearts pure... this is something for which Allah has not sent down any authority. We see you in good health, welcome, and peace be upon you.