What Every Muslim Must Know: “Misconception In The Word ‘Dadani”, By Sheikh Abdul-Lateef Owolabi

In his magnanimity and philanthropical gesture, the Osogbo born Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abdul-Lateef Owolabi made available the correct pronunciation of common mistakes in some Arabic words.

In a correctional text made available to OsunReporters News, Sheikh Owolabi explained how the word ‘Adhan’ is always being pronounced as ‘Dadani’ especially amongst the Yoruba race.

According to him, “Dadani or whatever they call it cannot be found anywhere out of the 6,666 verses of the holy Qur’an. Even, I, Sheikh Abdul-Lateef Owolabi can categorically say that Dadani is not an Arabic word in form of writing, is just a mere corrupted word because in Arabic you can write ‘Dadanu’ not ‘Dadani’. Dadani’ can only be written as ‘Dadani’ when a conjuctor is being used or when it being used with an adjective.”

See the Arabic and transliteration examples in the image below:

“Nonetheless, there are some words on amount of phonology processes will change the structure and meaning of such word which ‘Dadani’ is not part of:
Even the holy prophet (S.A.W) has never referred to the callers’ prayer as Dadani during his life time. But it was on record that the holy prophet (S.A.W) said ‘Be an Imam if you’re chosen and be a (callers’ of prayer) Mu’addin even if you’re denied. Although, it is not an authentic hadith (Allah is all knower).”

“Furthermore, none of the companions of holy Prophet has ever referred to the Mu’adin (callers’ of prayer) as ‘Dadani’,” Sheikh Owolabi added.

Some of the examples according to Sheikh Owolabi are:
“Adhan: Islamic call to prayer, does not mean someone that calls to prayer which is Mu’adhin and a caller is not Dadani.

Therefore, the word ‘Dadani’ is a wrong appellation for someone making call to prayer. ‘Dadani’ has no religious meaning and it does not connote someone making call to prayer-salat. The right, correct and appropriate word is Mu’adhin which everybody should be adhere with rather than using wrong and inappropriate word for callers’ of prayer in Islam.”

“Language is dynamic. Therefore, Yoruba being a Kwa family localized most of the borrowed language into its usage.”

See the Arabic examples in the photo below:

“In conclusion, I hope by now, you will correct any one in your vicinity, neighborhood or mosque never to spread this ignorance any further, the appropriate and acceptable word for callers’ of prayer is Mu’addhin and not ‘Dadani’. Ma Sallam,” Sheikh Owolabi Concluded.

For further question or contrary opinion: Contact these numbers 08033852897 (WhatsApp), 08052123456
E-mail: theabdulateefowolabi@gmail.com