Introduction
Every Muslim knows the beautiful sound of the Adhan — the call that announces the time of prayer. But there is a second, equally important call that follows it — one that signals the prayer is no longer approaching — it is now beginning.
This is the Iqama — the second call to prayer in Islam — and it is the final, urgent announcement that tells every Muslim in the mosque:
قَدْ قَامَتِ الصَّلَاةُ
“Qad Qamatis-Salaah — The time of Salah has come.”
In this guide, we explore the meaning, purpose, complete words, and importance of the Iqama in Islam.
What is Iqama?
Iqama (إِقَامَة) is the second and final call to prayer in Islam — delivered immediately before the congregational Salah begins. While the Adhan calls Muslims from afar to come to the mosque, the Iqama is the signal inside the mosque that the prayer is about to start and everyone should form their rows.
Quick Reference Card
| Detail | Info |
| Arabic Name | Iqama (إِقَامَة) |
| Literal Meaning | Establishment / Setting Upright |
| Purpose | Second call signaling that Salah is about to begin |
| Who Delivers It | Mu’adhin (مُؤَذِّن) — the caller to prayer |
| Frequency | Five times daily — before each obligatory prayer |
| Key Difference from Adhan | Adhan calls people to the mosque; Iqama signals prayer is starting |
| Special Phrase | “Qad Qamatis-Salaah” — not found in the Adhan |
What is the Difference Between Adhan and Iqama?
Many Muslims — especially beginners — wonder how the Iqama differs from the Adhan. Here is a clear comparison:
| Aspect | Adhan | Iqama |
| Purpose | Announces the time of prayer has arrived | Signals the prayer is about to begin right now |
| When delivered | At the beginning of the prayer time | Immediately before the prayer starts |
| Who it addresses | All Muslims in the surrounding area | Muslims already present in the mosque |
| Tone | Melodious and extended | Shorter and more brisk |
| Special phrase | None (except Fajr addition) | “Qad Qamatis-Salaah” (The prayer has been established) |
| Response | Repeat after Mu’adhin | Stand and form rows for prayer |
Together, the Adhan and Iqama form a complete system of prayer announcement — one calls the believers to the mosque and the other lines them up before Allah.
How is the Iqama Made? — Complete Words, Arabic & Meaning
The Iqama follows a similar structure to the Adhan but is shorter and includes one unique, powerful phrase. Here is the complete Iqama with Arabic text, transliteration, meaning, and repetitions:
Step 1 — Allahu Akbar (×2)
اللهُ أَكْبَرُ — اللهُ أَكْبَرُ
Transliteration: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Meaning: “Allah is the Greatest — Allah is the Greatest.”
The Iqama opens — just like the Adhan — with the Takbeer, reminding every worshipper that as they stand to pray, Allah is greater than everything else in their life.
Step 2 — Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha illallah (×1)
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ
Transliteration: Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha illallah Meaning: “I testify that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah.”
The declaration of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah) — affirming that the prayer about to be performed is for Allah alone.
Step 3 — Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah (×1)
أَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللهِ
Transliteration: Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah Meaning: “I testify that Muhammad ﷺ is the Messenger of Allah.”
The declaration of Risalah (Prophethood) — affirming that the prayer is being performed according to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Step 4 — Hayya ‘alas-Salaah (×1)
حَيَّ عَلَى الصَّلَاةِ
Transliteration: Hayya ‘alas-Salaah Meaning: “Hurry towards Salah.”
The direct call to action — every Muslim present must now stop all conversation, stand up, and prepare for prayer.
Step 5 — Hayya ‘alal-Falaah (×1)
حَيَّ عَلَى الْفَلَاحِ
Transliteration: Hayya ‘alal-Falaah Meaning: “Hurry towards success.”
A powerful reminder that true success is not in worldly pursuits — it is in standing before Allah in prayer. Every step taken toward the prayer rows is a step toward eternal success.
Step 6 — Qad Qamatis-Salaah (×2) Unique to Iqama
قَدْ قَامَتِ الصَّلَاةُ — قَدْ قَامَتِ الصَّلَاةُ
Transliteration: Qad Qamatis-Salaah, Qad Qamatis-Salaah Meaning: “The time of Salah has come — The time of Salah has come.”
This is the most distinctive phrase of the Iqama — found nowhere in the Adhan. It is the final, urgent announcement that the prayer has been established and is beginning right now. Upon hearing this, every Muslim should be in their row, focused, and ready to stand before Allah.
Step 7 — Allahu Akbar (×2)
اللهُ أَكْبَرُ — اللهُ أَكْبَرُ
Transliteration: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Meaning: “Allah is the Greatest — Allah is the Greatest.”
Step 8 — Laa ilaaha illallah (×1)
لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ
Transliteration: Laa ilaaha illallah Meaning: “There is no god worthy of worship except Allah.”
The Iqama closes — as does the Adhan — with the pure declaration of Tawheed, reminding every worshipper that the prayer they are about to perform is an act of worship dedicated solely to Allah alone.
The Complete Iqama — Quick Reference Table
| # | Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning | Times |
| 1 | اللهُ أَكْبَرُ | Allahu Akbar | Allah is the Greatest | ×2 |
| 2 | أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ | Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha illallah | I testify none is worthy of worship except Allah | ×1 |
| 3 | أَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللهِ | Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah | I testify Muhammad ﷺ is the Messenger of Allah | ×1 |
| 4 | حَيَّ عَلَى الصَّلَاةِ | Hayya ‘alas-Salaah | Hurry towards Salah | ×1 |
| 5 | حَيَّ عَلَى الْفَلَاحِ | Hayya ‘alal-Falaah | Hurry towards success | ×1 |
| 6 | قَدْ قَامَتِ الصَّلَاةُ | Qad Qamatis-Salaah | The time of Salah has come | ×2 |
| 7 | اللهُ أَكْبَرُ | Allahu Akbar | Allah is the Greatest | ×2 |
| 8 | لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ | Laa ilaaha illallah | None is worthy of worship except Allah | ×1 |
The Meaning Behind Each Phrase of the Iqama
The Iqama is not just a mechanical announcement — every phrase carries deep spiritual significance:
| Phrase | Spiritual Message |
| Allahu Akbar | Allah is greater than everything holding you back from prayer |
| Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha illallah | This prayer is for Allah alone — pure Tawheed |
| Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah | We pray as the Prophet ﷺ taught us |
| Hayya ‘alas-Salaah | Leave everything — prayer is now |
| Hayya ‘alal-Falaah | True success begins when you stand in prayer |
| Qad Qamatis-Salaah | The moment has arrived — stand before your Lord |
| Allahu Akbar | Final reminder — Allah is greater than all of creation |
| Laa ilaaha illallah | We close with Tawheed — as we began |
What Should You Do When You Hear the Iqama?
When the Iqama is called, every Muslim present in the mosque should:
- Stop all conversation — talking during the Iqama is disliked
- Stand up and form straight rows — the Prophet ﷺ emphasized straightening the rows
- Make a final intention (Niyyah) — affirm in your heart which prayer you are about to perform
- Focus your eyes on the place of Sujood — preparing the heart for full concentration (Khushu’)
- Do not start Sunnah prayers if the Iqama has already begun — the Prophet ﷺ said:
“When the Iqama for prayer is called, there is no prayer except the obligatory one.” — [Sahih Muslim]
Why is the Iqama So Important in Islam?
The Iqama serves as a spiritual and physical transition — the bridge between the world of daily life and the sacred space of standing before Allah:
- Marks the official start of congregational prayer — without the Iqama, the prayer has not been formally established
- Unifies the congregation — upon hearing it, all Muslims align their rows as one united body
- Focuses the heart — the words of the Iqama prepare the mind and soul to enter Salah with full presence
- Follows the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ — the Iqama has been called before every congregational prayer since the earliest days of Islam
- Proclaims Tawheed publicly — even within the mosque, the Oneness of Allah is declared before every prayer
- Reminds of success — “Hayya ‘alal-Falaah” reframes what true success means — not the world, but prayer
Adhan vs Iqama — Side by Side Comparison
| Phrase | Adhan | Iqama |
| Allahu Akbar | ×4 | ×2 |
| Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha illallah | ×2 | ×1 |
| Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah | ×2 | ×1 |
| Hayya ‘alas-Salaah | ×2 | ×1 |
| Hayya ‘alal-Falaah | ×2 | ×1 |
| Qad Qamatis-Salaah | Not included | ×2 |
| Allahu Akbar | ×2 | ×2 |
| Laa ilaaha illallah | ×1 | ×1 |
| Fajr addition | As-Salaatu Khairun Minan-Naum | Not included |
Quick Reference Card — Iqama at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
| What is it? | Second and final Islamic call before Salah begins |
| Arabic Name | Iqama (إِقَامَة) |
| Delivered by | Mu’adhin — five times daily |
| Key unique phrase | Qad Qamatis-Salaah (×2) |
| Total phrases | 8 distinct declarations |
| Response upon hearing | Stand, form rows, make intention |
| Key Hadith | No prayer except obligatory once Iqama is called (Sahih Muslim) |
Conclusion
The Iqama is the final call — the moment that bridges the everyday world and the sacred act of standing before Allah. When its words fill the air of the mosque, everything else must stop. The time for conversation is over. The time for distraction is over. The time for everything except Allah is over.
قَدْ قَامَتِ الصَّلَاةُ
“The time of Salah has come.”
These words are among the most important a Muslim will hear every single day — five times a day, every day of their life. Let each Iqama be a fresh reminder of why we were created, who we are standing before, and what truly matters in this fleeting world.
May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) guide us all to His truth, purify our intentions, grant us Khushu’ (focus and humility) in every Salah, accept all our good deeds, forgive our shortcomings, and make us among the people of Taqwa. May He, by His infinite Mercy, grant us all entry into Jannah. Ameen, Ya Rabbal ‘Alameen.
Jazakallahu Khayran!
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