The Effect of Adhan on Satan

Sahih Muslim 388 a
Abu Sufyan reported it on the authority of Jabir that he had heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: When Satan hears the call to prayer, he runs away to a distance like that of Rauha. Sulaimin said: I asked him about Rauha. He replied: It is at a distance of thirty-six miles from Medina.

• This hadith specifically mentions that Satan (Shaytan) runs away upon hearing the Adhan. The primary meaning refers to the Shayatin from the jinn, as they are unseen beings who literally flee when they hear the call to prayer, However, in a broader sense, the term Shaytan in the Qur’an and Hadith is not limited to the jinn alone. It can also refer to humans who exhibit Satanic traits, such as arrogance, hatred for worship, and leading others away from the truth.

  Who Does This Hadith Refer To?

  1. Shaytan from the Jinn – The unseen devils who physically flee upon hearing the Adhan.
  2. Shaytan-like Humans – While they do not physically run away, they dislike prayer and may try to discourage others from worship.

  Key Understanding:

  ✅ The literal meaning applies to jinn, as they run far from the Adhan.
  ✅ The figurative meaning applies to humans who hate prayer and act with arrogance, resembling Satan’s behavior.

  Thus, this hadith emphasizes that true believers love prayer and remembrance of Allah, while Satan—whether jinn or human—cannot tolerate it.