Originally posted 2024-04-18 16:48:51.

By: Muhammad Mahmoud As-Sawwaf

The Iqamah (Second Call to Prayer)

After the muezzin (the one who calls the Adhan) has made the Call to Prayer (Adhan), it is recommended according to the Sunnah that there should be a short interval before the Second Call to Prayer (Iqamah), during which people prepare themselves for prayer. Ideally, the same person who performs the Adhan should also deliver the Iqamah.

The Iqamah is made once all the necessary conditions for prayer are met. When everyone is ready, the muezzin stands facing the Kaʿbah and delivers the Iqamah, after which the prayer begins.

– How to Make the Second Call to Prayer

There are two correct formulae of saying the Second Call to Prayer:

a. The First Formula

“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar”

Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest.

“Ash-hadu alla ilaha illa-llah.”

I bear witness that there is no god but Allah.

“Ash-hadu anna Muhammadar-Rasulullah.”

I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

“Hayya ‘ala-s-Salah”

Come to Prayer.

“Hayya ‘ala-l-falah”

Come to prosperity.

“Qad qamatis-salah, qad qamatis-salah”

Prayer is to be performed, Prayer is to be performed.

“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar”

Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest.

“La ilaha illa-llah”

There is no god but Allah.

b. The Second Formula

“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar”

Allah is the greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest.

“Ash-hadu alla ilaha illa-llah.”

I bear witness that there is no god but Allah.

“Ash-hadu alla ilaha illa-llah.”

I bear witness that there is no god but Allah.

“Ash-hadu anna Muhammadar-Rasulullah.”

I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

“Ash-hadu anna Muhammadar-Rasulullah.”

I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

“Hayya ‘ala-s-Salah, hayya ‘ala-s-Salah.”

Come to Prayer, come to Prayer.

“Hayya ‘ala-l-falah, hayya ‘ala-l-falah.”

Come to prosperity, come to prosperity.

“Qad qamatis-salah, qad qamatis-salah”

Prayer is to be performed, Prayer is to be performed.

“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar”

Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest.

“La ilaha illa-llah”

There is no god but Allah.

Important Notes

1. Adhan vs. Iqamah Speed:
   It is recommended (Sunnah) that the Adhan be recited slowly with pauses between phrases, while the Iqamah should be recited more quickly and continuously without interruption.

2. Direction and Intention:
   The muezzin should face the Kaʿbah while making both calls, and should recite them aloud—even if he is alone in a remote place.

3. Missed Prayers:
   If someone misses a prayer due to oversleeping or forgetfulness, they should recite both the Adhan and Iqamah before making up the missed prayer.
   If multiple prayers are missed, it is recommended to say the Adhan and Iqamah for the first prayer, and only the Iqamah for the subsequent ones.

4. Women and the Call to Prayer:
   The Adhan and Iqamah are not obligatory for women. However, if they choose to say them, it is permissible.
   Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
   “If they (women) do so, there is no harm, and if they do not, it is allowed.”
   ʿA’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) used to perform the Adhan and Iqamah and lead women in prayer, standing in their midst. (Reported by Al-Bayhaqi)

5. Response to the Iqamah:
   Just like during the Adhan, it is Sunnah for the listener to repeat the phrases of the muezzin during the Iqamah—except in the following cases:

   • When the muezzin says:
     “Hayya ʿala-s-Salah, Hayya ʿala-l-Falah”
     The listener responds:
     “La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah”
     (There is no power and no strength except with Allah.)

   • When the muezzin says:
     “Qad qamatis-Salah”
     The listener responds:
     “Aqamaha-llahu wa adamaha”
     (May Allah establish it and make it everlasting.)

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Source: Quoted with slight modifications from the author’s The Muslim Prayer Book: Rules, Concepts & Merits.