How to Perform the Iqama as a Muslim

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A guide to reciting the Islamic second call to prayer

Co-authored by Mufti Samir Wahid and Dev Murphy, MA

Last Updated: June 26, 2025 Fact Checked

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• How to Say the Iqama
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• Performing the Iqama as a Ritual
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• Athan vs. Iqama
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• Video
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• Q&A
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• Tips

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The Iqama (also Iqamah or Ikama) is the Islamic second call to salah (prayer), which signals that it's time for the prayer to start. It's recited by a caller, usually the muezzin (also Mu'adhdhin) in a mosque, after the first call to prayer, which is called the Athan (also Adhan). Memorizing the Iqama may make it easier to recite it when praying alone or when repeating after a caller. Keep reading for our guide to reciting the Iqama, including the correct words to speak, how to perform this call to prayer, and how the Athan differs from the Iqama.

Reciting the Iqama at a Glance

1. Open the Iqama by reciting, "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar."
2. Honor Allah by saying, "Ash-hadu Alla ilaha illallah."
3. Honor Muhammad by saying, "Ash-hadu anna Muhamadan rasuulullah."
4. Say, "Hayya 'alas Salaah" as an invitation to pray.
5. Say, "Hayya 'alal Falah" as a reminder of the importance of prayer.
6. Say, "Qad qaamati Salaah, Qad qaamati Salaah" as a call to pray.
7. Honor Allah by saying, "Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar,” then close with "Laa ilaaha illallah."

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

How to Say the Iqama

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1. 
   1
   Begin with “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar” to open the Iqama. “Allahu Akbar” means “Allah is the greatest.” Recite the line twice to begin the second call to prayer.

   • If you follow the Hanafi or Shi'a school of Islam, you'll typically recite this 4 times instead of 2.
2. 
   2
   Say “Ash-hadu Alla ilaha illallah” to honor Allah. This means “I bear witness that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah.” Recite it to show your devotion to Allah as you prepare to pray.

   • If you're a Hanafi or Shi'a, recite this line twice.
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3. 
   3
   State "Ash-hadu anna Muhamadan rasuulullah" to honor Muhammad. This means "I bear witness that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger." It serves as a reminder that Muhammad is the final prophet who brought God's teachings to earth.

   • If you're a Hanafi or Shi'a, say this twice.
4. 
   4
   Call "Hayya 'alas Salaah" as a reminder to come to prayer. This means "come to the prayer,” so it calls the congregation to pray. If you are listening to a caller recite the Iqama, don't repeat these words.

   • Say this line twice if you're Hanafi or Shi'a.
5. 
   5
   Call "Hayya 'alal Falah" as a reminder of the importance of prayer. This means "Come to prosperity or success.” It's a reminder that prayer and obeying Allah's commands will help you improve yourself and become successful.

   • Recite this twice if you're Hanafi or Shi'a.
   • Sometimes “hayya” is interpreted as “rush,” so this line may also be understood as “Rush to success.”
   • Typically, only the person calling the Iqama recites these words. If you are listening to a muezzin recite the Iqama, respond with, "La hawla wa quwwata ila Billaah" (which means, "There is no power and no strength except with Allaah").
6. 
   6
   Call "Qad qaamati Salaah, Qad qaamati Salaah," or "prayer is to begin." If you are the muezzin or person leading the Iqama, say these words to signal to everyone that it's time to line up for prayer. Typically, the congregation will get into their prayer position at this time.

   • This line is sometimes interpreted as “Prayer has begun.”
   • The Maliki school usually only recites this line once, but all other schools recite it twice.
   • According to some scholars, those listening to the Iqama should repeat these words. However, other scholars believe only the caller should recite these words, and that those listening should respond with, "Aqamah Allah wa-adamaha" (that is, "Allah establishes it and makes it everlasting"). If you're unsure, abide by the traditions of your congregation.
7. 
   7
   Honor Allah by repeating "Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar.” “Allaahu Akbar” means “Allah is the greatest.” Say it twice to honor Allah before the prayer and to remind yourself of the teachings of Islam.

   • You honor Allah at both the beginning and the end of the Iqama.
8. 
   8
   Finish the call to prayer with "Laa ilaaha illallah". This means "there is no god worthy of worship but Allah.” Say it to honor Allah and show your devotion. It completes the Iqama, which means it's time to pray.
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Section 2 of 3:

Performing the Iqama as a Ritual

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1. 
   1
   Recite the Iqama every time you're praying in a congregation. Typically, the muezzin (Mu'adhdhin) at your mosque will lead the Iqama aloud. They may even recite it over a loud speaker. Say the call to prayer along with them to honor Allah and prepare yourself for prayer.

   • Don't repeat the line "Qad qaamati Salaah, Qad qaamati Salaah" unless it's traditional in your mosque. Typically, only the person leading the Iqama says this line, which means “Prayer is to begin.” In some congregations, those listening respond with, "Aqamah Allah wa-adamaha" (that is, "Allah establishes it and makes it everlasting").
   • Your congregation may only repeat the Athan. If so, don't recite the Iqama along with the caller.
2. 
   2
   Say the call to prayer as a reminder if you're praying alone. The Iqama is used to remind the congregation as a whole that it's time for prayer, but it also reminds you of the teachings of Islam. While it's not required that you recite the Iqama to yourself, it's helpful for deepening your faith and building good religious habits. Include it in your private prayers if you prefer.

   • If someone else is praying with you, it's best to recite the Iqama, even if it's just 1 other person. In that case, the most knowledgeable follower should lead the prayer. Traditionally, a man will lead the Iqama if both men and women are present.

   Tip: If you're praying alone, it's not required that you say the Iqama. However, it is recommended and preferred that you say it.
3. 
   3
   Let your arms hang at your sides during the Iqama, if you wish. During the Athan, you typically raise your hands to cover your ears. This isn't necessary during the Iqama, for which there aren't strict rules about how to position your hands; however, many people leave their arms hanging at their sides during the Iqama.
4. 
   4
   Recite the Iqama quickly and in a low, monotone voice. While the Athan is called loudly, the Iqama is a quiet, quick call to prayer. Lower your voice into a rhythmic, chanting tone. Then, say the Iqama quickly to lead into your prayer. Follow the pace set by the muezzin (Mu'adhdhin) if you're in a mosque.

   • If you follow the Maliki school, pause between the verses of the Iqama, which slows down your prayer.
5. 
   5
   Make niyyah (also niyyah) before beginning salah. Once you have recited the Iqama, create niyyat, either aloud or in your heart, just before beginning your prayer. Niyyah refers to the intention behind your prayer: for instance, you might say, "I offer a prayer seeking nearness to Allah."

   • It is often considered acceptable to make your niyyat silently, but some scholars believe it must be audibly uttered.
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Section 3 of 3:

What is the difference between the Athan and the Iqama?

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1. 
   The Athan is a call to come to the mosque, while the Iqama is a call to prayer. While the Athan is a more general call to come and pray the salah, the Iqama is recited to signal that prayer is about to begin. The Athan is recited loudly to invite Muslims to come and worship, while the Iqama is recited more quietly, quickly, and urgently immediately before salah commences. The words used in the Athan and the Iqama are almost the same, with a few exceptions:

   • Certain lines are repeated more or less often in each call to prayer. (For instance, "Allahu Akbar" is recited four times in the Athan and twice in the Iqama, while "Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah" is recited twice in the Athan and once in the Iqama.)
   • In the Iqama, after "Hayya ‘ala al-Falah," the muezzin calls, "Qad qāmati as-Salah," or "The prayer has been established."

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• Question

  Is it required to send blessings to the Prophet Muhammad after Iqama?

  

  Sobi

  Top Answerer

  No, it is not required. It is mustahab, meaning recommended, but not obligatory. It is recommended that you repeat the Iqama, send blessings upon the Prophet, and then recite the same du'a you recite after the adhan.

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• Question

  What's the difference between Qad qaamatis Salaah and Qad qaamatu Salaah in the iqamah?

  

  Sobi

  Top Answerer

  The latter does not exist. It is "Qad qaamatis salaah". The latter has a different meaning.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
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• Question

  Is Iqama mandatory for women?

  

  Community Answer

  It is not obligatory, not prescribed for women; however, if there are only women in congregation, it is permissible, as long as she does it in such a way that only her companions can hear her, i.e. she doesn't say it loudly so that nearby men can hear her. If she doesn't do the iqamah or adhan, that is permissible as well.

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Tips

• Make requests to Allah between the Athan and the Iqama because the Prophet Muhammad said that supplications made during this time won't be rejected.
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• Typically, the person who recites the Athan will also recite the Iqama. This is usually the muezzin (Mu'adhdhin) at a mosque. However, the muezzin (Mu'adhdhin) or the Imam can give permission for someone else to recite it.
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