Iqamah Instructions

The second call to prayer, recited immediately before the start of the congregational prayer

Learn Iqamah Back to Education

It signals that the prayer is about to begin and calls worshippers to line up for prayer.

"When the prayer is called for, do not come to it running, but come walking with tranquility, and pray what you catch up with and complete what you miss."

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Words of the Iqamah

The Complete Iqamah

Arabic Transliteration Translation Repetition
الله أكبر الله أكبر Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest Twice
أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah Twice
أشهد أن محمداً رسول الله Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasul Allah I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah Twice
حي على الصلاة Hayya 'ala-s-salah Come to prayer Twice
حي على الفلاح Hayya 'ala-l-falah Come to success Twice
قد قامت الصلاة Qad qamati-s-salah Prayer has begun Twice
الله أكبر الله أكبر Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest Once
لا إله إلا الله La ilaha illa Allah There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah Once
In Islam men are ordered to pray the obligatory prayers in congregation (i.e, to pray with a group of men). However, if a man prays alone then he should recite the iqamah before starting to pray. The iqamah is a shorter version of the Athan.

Listen to the Iqamah

Iqamah Audio

Listen to the recitation of the Iqamah:

Standard Iqamah

Differences Between Athan and Iqamah

Key Differences

Feature Athan Iqamah
Timing Called at the beginning of prayer time Called just before starting the prayer
Length Longer, with phrases repeated In Ibadi tradition, most phrases are said twice, with only the last two phrases said once
Purpose To announce prayer time and call people to the mosque To announce that the congregational prayer is about to begin
Delivery Usually recited in a melodious voice that can be heard from a distance Recited in a more straightforward manner, particularly in Ibadi tradition
Unique Phrase Does not contain "Qad qamati-s-salah" Contains "Qad qamati-s-salah" (Prayer has begun)

When to Recite the Iqamah

Before the Iqamah

  • Ensure you have performed wudhu (ablution)

  • Make sure you are properly dressed for prayer

  • Face the qiblah (direction of the Kaaba)

  • Stand in straight rows if in congregation

After the Iqamah

  • Make the intention (niyyah) for the specific prayer

  • Follow the imam if praying in congregation

  • Begin the prayer with "Allahu Akbar" (takbir)

  • In Ibadi tradition, keep hands straight down at your sides (not folded at chest or navel)

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Importance of Prayer

Spiritual significance in Islam

Prayer Preparation Guide

Getting ready for prayer

Wudhu (Ablution) Tutorial

Ritual purification steps

Ghusl (Ritual Bath) Tutorial

Complete purification guide

Qiblah Direction Finder

Find the direction to Mecca

Prayer Timings

Daily prayer schedule

Athan (Call to Prayer)

Understanding the call to prayer

Iqamah Instructions

Standing call before prayer

Common Prayer Mistakes

Avoiding errors in prayer

TODAY'S PRAYER TIMES

Muscat, Oman

14 Apr 2025
Prayer times are currently unavailable. Please check back later.

IBADI PRAYER NOTES

  • Hand Position

    Hands kept straight down at sides, not folded

  • Takbir

    No raising of hands during takbir

  • Recitation

    Bismillah recited aloud before Surah Al-Fatiha

Learn More