Who gives the call for prayer in a mosque?

A muezzin (Turkish: müezzin from Arabic: muʾaḏḏin) is the person appointed at a mosque to lead and recite the call to prayer for every event of prayer and worship in the mosque. The mu'addhin's post is an important one, and the community depends on him for an accurate prayer schedule.

The professional mu'addhin is chosen for his good character, voice and skills to serve at the mosque. However, the mu'addhin is not considered a cleric, but in a position comparable to a Christian verger.

The institution of the mu'addhin has existed since the time of Muhammad. The first mu'addhin was Bilal ibn Ribah, who walked the streets to call the believers to come to prayer. Although many of the customs associated with the mu'addhin remained undecided at the time of Muhammad's death, including which direction one should choose for the calling, where it should be performed, and the use of trumpets, flags or lamps, all of these are elements of the mu'addhin's role during the adhan.