Iqamah and Adhaan: Meaning, Comparison, and Significance in Islam

The Iqamah and Adhaan are integral calls to prayer in Islam, each serving a unique purpose. While the Adhan announces the time for Salah, inviting the community to gather, the Iqamah signals the immediate start of the prayer

What is the difference between Iqamah and Adhaan?

The Iqamah is a brief, final call signaling that prayer is about to begin. It is recited quickly, prompting worshippers to stand and prepare for Salah. While it resembles the Adhan, the Iqamah is shorter and marks the immediate start of prayer.

The Adhan is the initial call to prayer, announcing the time for Salah. It is often heard loudly, sometimes through loudspeakers, to ensure the whole community is aware. The Azan sets the spiritual tone for the upcoming prayer and prepares believers for worship by reminding them of the core principles of Islam.

What is the Iqamah? Its Role in Salah

The Iqamah is recited in the following order:

1. Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar (“God is the Greatest”)

2. Ashhadu al-lā ilāha illallāh (“I bear witness that there is no deity but God”)

3. Ashhadu anna Muḥammada’r-Rasulullāh (“I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God”)

4. Ḥayya ‘alā’ṣ-Ṣalāh (“Hasten to the prayer”)

5. Ḥayya ‘alā’l-Falāḥ (“Hasten to success”)

6. Qad qāmatiṣ-Ṣalāh (“Prayer has been established”)

7. Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar (“God is the Greatest”)

8. Lā ilāha illallāh (“There is no deity but God”)

How to Recite the Azan: Step-by-Step

The Adhan is recited as follows:

1. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar (“Allah is the Greatest”)

2. Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah (“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah”)

3. Ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasoolullah (“I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”)

4. Hayya ’ala-s-Salah (“Hasten to prayer”)

5. Hayya ’ala-l-Falah (“Hasten to success”)

6. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar (“Allah is the Greatest”)

7. La ilaha illallah (“There is no god but Allah”)

Differences Between Iqamah and Adhaan

• Purpose and Timing: The Adhan is the first call to prayer, while the Iqamah is recited just before prayer begins.

• Length and Structure: The Adhan is longer, with 18 sentences; the Iqamah is shorter with 17 sentences, including the phrase “Qad qāmatiṣ-Ṣalāh” to indicate the start of the prayer.

• Volume and Style: The Adhan is recited loudly to call attention, while the Iqamah is recited quietly to signal readiness for prayer.

• Physical Movements: During the Adhan, the reciter turns their face to the right and left, whereas in the Iqamah, they face the Qibla.

• Repetition: The Adhan repeats phrases to draw attention, while the Iqamah is more concise.

Significance of the Iqamah and Adhaan

• The Iqamah serves as a brief call to prepare mentally and physically for Salah. It signals the moment to leave behind distractions and focus on prayer.

• The Adhan is a call that unites the community, signaling the time for prayer. It reminds everyone of Allah’s greatness and calls them to gather for worship.

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How to Respond to the Iqamah and Adhaan

Adhan (Call to Prayer)

Repeat After the Mu’adhdhin:

Repeat each phrase after the Mu’adhdhin, except:

For “Hayya ‘alas-Salah” and “Hayya ‘alal-Falah”, say:
“La haula wala quwwata illa billa-hil ‘aliyyul ‘Azim”
Translation: “There is no power or strength except with Allah, the Most High, the Supreme.”

Dua After the Islamic call to prayer:

Recite the following supplication:

Hadith related to Iqamah and Adhaan

Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah:

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Whoever after listening to the Adhan says, ‘Allahumma Rabba hadhihi-dda` watit-tammah, was-salatil qa’imah, ati Muhammadan al-wasilata wal-fadilah, wa b`ath-hu maqaman mahmudan-il-ladhi wa`adtahu’ [O Allah! Lord of this perfect call (perfect by not ascribing partners to You) and of the regular prayer which is going to be established, give Muhammad the right of intercession and illustriousness, and resurrect him to the best and the highest place in Paradise that You promised him (of)], then my intercession for him will be allowed on the Day of Resurrection”.

Sahih al-Bukhari 614

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “When the Adhan is pronounced Satan takes to his heels and passes wind with noise during his flight in order not to hear the Adhan. When the Adhan is completed he comes back and again takes to his heels when the Iqama is pronounced and after its completion he returns again till he whispers into the heart of the person (to divert his attention from his prayer) and makes him remember things which he does not recall to his mind before the prayer and that causes him to forget how much he has prayed.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 608

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Conclusion:

Both the Adhan and Iqamah are integral to the Islamic prayer practice. The Adhan serves as a public invitation to prayer, while the Iqamah is a final call signaling the start. Understanding both helps worshippers approach Salah with focus and clarity, ensuring a meaningful and unified prayer experience.

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Iqamah and Adhaan: Meaning, Comparison, and Significance in Islam