Called Adhaan (Adhan) before settling down in a house?

Question:

A family member recently bought a new house. After entering the house, the Adhaan (Adhan) was called. Is this Islamic or Bid’ah (innovation)? What is the proper procedure, if any, to mark this new place of residence?

Answer:

Adhaan (Adhan) is a form of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah); it has been prescribed as a summons to prayer for the specific purpose of informing people of the arrival of the time of Prayer.

While mentioning the specific benefits of Adhaan, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that it drives away the Satan while eliciting positive responses from good spirits.

Since Adhaan is a form of Dhikr, there is nothing wrong if a person called Adhaan before settling down in a house-- if his intention was simply to drive away devils-- although ideally it would have been better for him to gather his own family members and pray two Rak’ahs of Nafl prayer thanking Allah for His favor, and read parts of the Qur’an. Reading Surat al-Baqarah in a home is highly recommended as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Satan runs away from a house where Surat al-Baqarah is recited.”

A house—we must know-- is either inhabited by devils or angels. In order to make it a hospitable place for angels, we must practice regular recitation of the Qur’an and engage in Dhikr. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also advised us that we should at least set aside some of our Sunan and Nawaafil to be performed in our homes, if we are in the habit of regularly praying at the mosque.

Besides the above, one must also turn off television and videos except for news and educational or instructional programs that have tangible benefits. In other words, simply calling Adhaan before occupying a house will not guarantee that the house is protected against devils.

In conclusion, let me state that calling Adhaan before occupying the house cannot be considered a Bid’ah, if the person’s intention was simply to celebrate the remembrance of Allah.

If, however, someone insists that everyone who buys a new home should start out by calling Adhaan, then surely that will be akin to introducing an innovation in religion. We cannot prescribe anything in religion unless it has been already prescribed therein by Allah and His Messenger.

Source: Islam.ca