الإِقَامَة
/ik-AH-mah/
What is Iqamah?
The second, shorter call to prayer recited inside the mosque just before the congregation stands for prayer. UK Prayer Times explains Iqamah (الإِقَامَة) in plain English — The Iqamah (also spelled Iqama or Iqamat) is the second call to prayer in Islam. Unlike the Adhan, which is broadcast pu…
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The Iqamah (also spelled Iqama or Iqamat) is the second call to prayer in Islam. Unlike the Adhan, which is broadcast publicly to summon worshippers, the Iqamah is recited inside the mosque immediately before the prayer begins, signalling that the congregation is about to rise and stand in rows for salah.
Iqamah: The second, shorter call to prayer recited inside the mosque just before the congregation stands for prayer.
Words of the Iqamah
The Iqamah is similar to the Adhan but shorter and recited more quickly. It includes the phrase 'Qad qamat as-salah' (The prayer has begun) twice, which is not part of the Adhan. The phrases Allahu Akbar and La ilaha illallah are each said once at the end, rather than the repeated form used in the Adhan.
When is the Iqamah recited?
The Iqamah is recited immediately before each of the five daily congregational prayers. It is said after worshippers have gathered and straightened their rows. The imam (prayer leader) or another designated person recites it while worshippers stand in readiness.
Iqamah vs Adhan
The Adhan is a public call broadcast from minarets or speakers to summon Muslims from the wider community to the mosque. The Iqamah is an internal call within the mosque that marks the imminent start of congregational prayer. When praying alone at home, it is sunnah (recommended) to recite both the Adhan and the Iqamah before prayer.
Mosque iqamah times in the UK
In UK mosques the iqamah (the time the congregation stands) is set by each mosque, and there is no fixed gap after the prayer's start time. Maghrib congregations are often within minutes of sunset, while Fajr, Dhuhr and Isha are frequently held at fixed clock times that the mosque changes a few times a year. The gap gives worshippers time to travel and make wudu — always check your local mosque's timetable.