Q 6: When the Mu'dhin (caller to Prayer) finishes the Adhan (call to Prayer) saying, "Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)," "Allahu Akbar," "La ilaha illa Allah (there is no god but Allah)," I say, "Abadan La ilaha illa Allah (there will never be another deity but Allah" twice. Some people have told me that this is not permissible. Is this saying right?

A: It is desirable to follow the Mu'adhin by repeating what he says except when he says, "Hay `ala-al-Salah (come to Prayer)" and "Hay `ala-al-Falah (come to success)," the listener is to say "La Hawla wa-la Quwwata illa billah (There is neither might nor power except with Allah)." After the end of the Adhan, the listener is to ask Allah (Exalted be He) to send peace and blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) and say the following Du`a' (supplication): O Allah! Lord of this most perfect call (to Prayer) and of the Prayer that is to be established, grant our master, Muhammad, Al-Wasilah (the most superior degree in Paradise) and a rank of distinction, and resurrect him to the lauded position that You promised him. Therefore, you are not allowed to say, "Abadan" for this word was not reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him); and saying it is an act of Bid`ah (innovation in religion). (Part No. 5; Page No. 77) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.