Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question: Does the sunna of adhan get fulfilled by playing a recording of it? Would one have to respond/listen to such a recording if played? What should one do if there is no adhan in one’s area?
Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Benevolent, the Merciful
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I pray this finds you in the best of health and spirits. The sunna of the adhan is only fulfilled by a live rendition of the adhan–even if through live broadcast (of an actual person giving the adhan).
Given this, the sunna of listening to and responding to the adhan is also contingent upon a live adhan (even if broadcast).
However, it would be praiseworthy to listen and respond, out of respect for the remembrance of Allah (Most High).
If an adhan isn’t given in one’s area, then one should strive to uphold the sunna of giving the adhan–whereby one also fulfills the sunnas of listening to the adhan; responding to the adhan; sending blessings upon the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) after it; and then making the specific du`a’ of intercession; and ending with du`a’ for oneself. These are blessings one should strive not to miss out on.
See also: “Fiqh of Adhan and Iqamah When Praying Alone”
And: Adhan Podcast
And Allah alone gives success.
Faraz Rabbani