Hossain Ali has been giving free azaan at a mosque for 12 years

Published : Friday, 21 August, 2026 at 4:15 PM

Observer Online Report

File Photo

For nearly 12 years, Hossain Ali has been voluntarily giving the Azaan, the Islamic call to prayer, five times a day at Baitul Falah Jame Mosque in the Gayenmor area of Barachawna Union in Sakhipur upazila of Tangail.

His melodious voice calling Muslims to prayer has become a familiar sound for local residents. In particular, his Fajr Azaan at dawn wakes many people in the area, who then prepare themselves and head to the mosque for prayers.

Hossain became associated with the mosque when it was established around 12 years ago. He is a permanent resident of the Gayenmor area of Barachawna Union.

Coming from a lower-middle-income family, Hossain once ran a small business but currently has no business of his own. He lives with his wife, two sons and a daughter and earns a modest income through household and agricultural work.

Despite his family responsibilities and the demands of earning a living, Hossain has continued to give the Azaan five times a day without receiving any salary or payment.

His service to the mosque goes beyond giving the Azaan. He regularly sweeps and cleans the mosque, its floors, verandah, stairs and surrounding areas. He says he finds peace and fulfilment through serving the mosque.

Hossain said he has continued the practice for nearly 12 years in the hope of earning Allah's blessings and spiritual rewards.

“A mosque is the house of Allah. Calling people to the house of Allah for prayer is a rewarding deed. I do not think about payment or salary for this,” Hossain said.

“As a member of society, I consider it my responsibility. My duty does not end with giving the Azaan. I also clean the mosque and carry out various other tasks on my own initiative.”

He said he considers himself fortunate to have the opportunity to serve the mosque.

“Allah has given me this opportunity. I feel blessed and find immense peace of mind through it. Perhaps someone else would give the Azaan if I did not, but Allah has chosen me to perform this duty. That is a matter of great fortune for me,” he said.

“I want to continue giving the Azaan and serving the mosque until my death.”

Local residents have praised Hossain for his long-standing voluntary service and wished him good health and a long life.

Shah Alam Sani, a local resident, said Hossain was a very good person.

“I wake up to his beautiful voice giving the Fajr Azaan in the early morning. I then prepare myself and go to the mosque to offer prayers,” he said.

The mosque's imam, Maulana Mujibur Rahman, said Hossain had been serving the mosque without any salary for a long time.

“Allah Almighty will surely reward him for his service,” he said.

Atiqul Haque Samir, a retired schoolteacher and resident of Barachawna village, said Hossain had been giving the Azaan and performing other services at the mosque without payment for many years.

“This is truly commendable. I hope people in our community, especially young people, will be inspired by Hossain Ali and devote themselves to various charitable activities,” he said.

Mohammad Azharul Islam, chairman of Barachawna Union Parishad, described Hossain as a fortunate person for having the opportunity to give the Azaan at the mosque.

“Hossain Ali is a simple and humble person. He is very fortunate because Allah Almighty has given him the opportunity to give the Azaan. I pray for his long life,” he said.

Former vice-chairman of Sakhipur Upazila Parishad, Sikder Mohammad Shabur Reza, said Hossain would remain a source of inspiration and an example for others.

“Giving the Azaan free of charge for nearly 12 years, keeping the mosque premises clean and performing other services are highly commendable. Hossain Ali is indeed a fortunate person,” he said.

He also urged people to follow Hossain's example by voluntarily engaging in charitable and community-oriented activities.

-SS/HIS