Q: Some people perform Salah without having proclaimed the Adhan (call to Prayer). What is the ruling on this?

A: It is not permissible for them to perform Salah without having proclaimed the Adhan, for the Adhan is a collective duty on Muslims residing in a given country. Likewise, those on a journey have to (Part No. 6; Page No. 56) also proclaim the Adhan for Salah as was the practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him) while on a journey. Moreover, the Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said to Malik ibn Al-Huwayrith after he and his companions asked permission of the Prophet to return to their home country: When the time for Salah is due, one of you should announce Adhan (call to Prayer) and the oldest among you should lead the prayers. (Recorded by both Al-Bukhari and Muslim.) Accordingly, if the inhabitants of a given country do not proclaim the Adhan, they will all be considered sinful. By the same token, before attacking any country, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would wait till morning. Once morning rose, he would leave it if he heard the proclamation of Adhan; otherwise, he would launch his attack. At the same time, Adhan is not a condition of the validity of Salah. In other words, if some people perform Salah without having proclaimed the Adhan, their performance of Salah will still be valid.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.