Sheikh Ibrahim bin Adel Hamza Al Madani, a muezzin at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, died in the early hours of Monday, September 21, according to reports and tributes shared on social media.
He was 50. Born in Madinah in 1976, Al Madani had served as one of the principal muezzins of the Grand Mosque since 2017.
His Final Azaan at Grand Mosque
According to Inside the Haramain, Al Madani’s final Azaan at the Grand Mosque was the first Fajr call on Monday.
A video shared by the platform showed the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba as his voice was heard through the mosque’s loudspeakers.
People associated with the Two Holy Mosques also shared tributes following his death.
Funeral Prayer in Makkah
The funeral prayer for Al Madani will be held after the Asr prayer on Monday at the Grand Mosque, according to reports.
He will then be buried at Al Mualla Cemetery in Makkah.
Al Madani Began Calling Azaan at 15
Al Madani was born in Madinah and grew up in a religious household. His grandfather, who was a Quran memoriser, had a strong influence on him.
He later studied Qur’anic Studies and began serving as a muezzin at the age of 15 at a neighbourhood mosque in Madinah.
He shared the responsibility with three neighbours on a rotating basis until completing college. He later stepped away from the role because of teaching commitments outside Madinah.
In 2007 to 2008, he returned to calling the Azaan at Masjid Al Maddah. His service there eventually led to an opportunity at the Grand Mosque, where he was formally appointed as a muezzin in 2017 to 2018.
Known for Fajr Azaan
Having grown up in Madinah, Al Madani was familiar with the traditional style of Azaan associated with the city. His visits to Makkah with his father also introduced him to the Makkan style.
He was one of 24 principal muezzins at the Grand Mosque. Six muezzins take turns each day to deliver the Azaan for the five daily prayers and the first call for Fajr.
Al Madani became particularly known for his Fajr Azaan and takbirat. He also performed tabligh, conveying the imam’s takbirat and movements to worshippers through the mosque’s loudspeaker system.
Recalled His First Azaan at Grand Mosque
In a previous interview on the Ashraqat podcast, Al Madani recalled his first Azaan at the Grand Mosque.
He said seeing worshippers performing tawaf around the Kaaba while hearing his voice moved him to tears.
He recalled asking, “Who am I to raise my voice in this holy place?”
He also spoke about the differences between the Azaan traditions of Makkah and Madinah and the influence of both on his own style.
