Q: Why do not we follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) with regard to making of Tathwib (saying "Assalatu khayrun mina-nawm [Prayer is better than sleep]" in the call to Fajr Prayer) in the first Adhan for Fajr (Dawn) Prayer according to the Hadiths reported in the Sunan (Hadith compilations classified by jurisprudential themes) of Al-Nasa'y, Ibn Khuzaymah, and Al-Bayhaqy?

A: You are right, Tathwib should be made in the first Adhan for Fajr (Dawn) Prayer as the Prophet (peace be upon him) enjoined. It is clear from the Hadith that Tathwib is part of the first Adhan made at dawn break known as Al-Fajr-ul-Sadiq (true dawn). This Adhan is called the first Adhan as it precedes Iqamah which, according to the Shari`ah, is considered the second Adhan as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: There is between the two calls (Adhan and Iqama) a Prayer. However, the first Adhan does not mean the Adhan made at midnight before Al-Fajr-ul-Sadiq to awaken people to get ready for Fajr (Dawn) Prayer and to inform those offering optional night prayer to stop before the Adhan of Fajr. Any person who contemplates the Hadiths enjoining Tathwib will understand that Tathwib is part of the first Adhan for Fajr (Dawn) Prayer and not the early Adhan before the time of Dawn Prayer.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.