Can the adhan be recited from recordings such as CDs or cassettes to announce prayer times?

As is known, the “adhan” consists of special phrases recited for obligatory prayers. Through the adhan, people are informed that the time for prayer has arrived and that the prayer will be performed in congregation; at the same time, God’s incomparable greatness, the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the fact that prayer is a means of salvation are proclaimed. Since the adhan is an announcement of prayer times, there is no religious difference between making this announcement with or without a loudspeaker, as long as its prescribed form is preserved and expressed.

However, playing the adhan from a tape cassette or CD amounts to trivializing one of the symbols of Islam and failing to show it the respect it deserves. Moreover, broadcasting it from a recording is not in accordance with the tradition that has been followed from the time of the Prophet until today. Therefore, it cannot be said that broadcasting the adhan from a CD or tape is without objection. The approach of jurists that the echo of the Qur’an is not considered to have the same status as the Qur’an itself also supports this ruling. (Meydânî, el-Lübâb, 1/60, 103) On the other hand, the adhan is a Sunnah, and it is an essential aspect of this Sunnah that it be performed by someone who is religiously accountable.

Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu