5 Easy Steps to Pronounce the Iqama Correctly

Iqama Call

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The Iqama is a call to prayer that is recited before the obligatory prayers in Islam. It is recited in a loud voice, and it serves to inform the community that the time for prayer has come. The Iqama is similar to the Adhan, but it is shorter and does not include the call to prayer. Instead, it simply states the time of prayer and the name of the prayer that is about to be performed. The Iqama is recited by the muezzin, who is a person who is appointed to call the Adhan and the Iqama.

There are specific conditions that must be met in order for the Iqama to be valid. First, the Iqama must be recited at the correct time. The time for the Iqama is different for each of the five obligatory prayers. Second, the Iqama must be recited in a loud voice so that it can be heard by the community. Third, the Iqama must be recited in Arabic. Fourth, the Iqama must be recited by a male who is Muslim. If any of these conditions are not met, then the Iqama is not valid.

The Iqama is an important part of the Islamic prayer ritual. It serves to inform the community that the time for prayer has come, and it helps to create a sense of unity and community among Muslims. The Iqama is also a reminder of the importance of prayer in Islam, and it helps to prepare Muslims for the spiritual experience of prayer.

Importance of Understanding the Iqama

The Iqama, also known as the call to prayer, is an integral part of Muslim religious practice. It serves several crucial purposes and holds deep significance for followers of Islam. Understanding the Iqama allows Muslims to fully engage in the ritual and appreciate its spiritual and communal aspects.

1. Invitation to Prayer:

The Iqama is a formal announcement that the time for prayer has arrived. It is recited twice daily, once before the Fajr (dawn) prayer and again before the Maghrib (sunset) prayer. By hearing the Iqama, Muslims are reminded of their obligation to perform their prayers and are encouraged to gather at the mosque or designated prayer areas.

2. Spiritual Preparation:

The Iqama includes specific phrases and verses that help Muslims prepare their hearts and minds for prayer. The words "Allahu Akbar" (God is greater) are repeated multiple times, instilling a sense of reverence and awe. The recitation of the Shahada (declaration of faith) reaffirms one’s belief in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad.

3. Communal Obligation:

The Iqama signifies the commencement of a communal act of worship. When the Iqama is recited, Muslims are expected to gather together and form rows behind an Imam (prayer leader). This act symbolizes unity, equality, and the collective nature of prayer in Islam. By participating in the Iqama, Muslims express their willingness to join others in fulfilling their religious duty.

4. Temporal Significance:

The Iqama serves as a timekeeper for Muslim communities. It marks the beginning of prayer times and helps Muslims regulate their daily schedules accordingly. In many cultures, the Iqama is broadcast from mosques and even through social media platforms, ensuring that worshippers can stay abreast of prayer timings and participate in communal worship.

Understanding the Arabic Text of the Iqama

The Iqama is a call to prayer recited by the muezzin before each of the five daily prayers. It consists of a series of phrases repeated multiple times, and its Arabic text is as follows:

Arabic Text	English Translation
الله أكبر	God is the Greatest
أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله	I bear witness that there is no god but Allah
أشهد أن محمدا رسول الله	I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah
حي على الصلاة	Come to prayer
حي على الفلاح	Come to success
قد قامت الصلاة	The prayer has been established
الله أكبر	God is the Greatest
لا إله إلا الله	There is no god but Allah

Each phrase has a specific meaning and significance, and together they form a call to the faithful to gather for prayer.

Pronouncing the Arabic Sounds

Learning to pronounce Arabic sounds accurately is crucial for reciting the Iqama correctly. Here are some key tips to help you with this:

Emphasizing Long Vowels

In Arabic, long vowels are typically pronounced with twice the length of short vowels. When you encounter a long vowel, such as ‘a’ in “Allahu Akbar,” hold the sound slightly longer to convey its emphasis.

Pronouncing the “Qaf” Sound

The “qaf” sound (ق) is a unique Arabic consonant that can be challenging for non-native speakers. To pronounce it correctly, place the back of your tongue against the uvula (the small, fleshy projection at the back of your throat) and force air through. This will create a guttural sound similar to the sound made when gargling.

Guidelines for Pronouncing the “Qaf” Sound

Pronunciation Guide	Examples
Start with a light “k” sound.	Quran
Gradually transition to a gentle “gh” sound as you force air through.	Qiam
Avoid over-emphasizing the guttural sound.	Iqama

The First Call: “Allahu Akbar”

The Iqama, or call to prayer, is a vital part of Islamic worship. It is recited five times a day to summon Muslims to prayer. The first call of the Iqama is “Allahu Akbar,” which means “God is the greatest.” This phrase is repeated four times.

The Significance of the Repetition

The repetition of “Allahu Akbar” in the first call of the Iqama serves several purposes:

It emphasizes the greatness and majesty of God.
It reminds Muslims of their duty to worship God alone.
It prepares the congregation for the prayer.

The Technicalities of the Repetition

There are specific technicalities associated with the repetition of “Allahu Akbar” in the first call of the Iqama:

Repetition	Pronounced As
First	Allahu Akbar
Second	Allahu Akbar
Third	Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allah
Fourth	Allahu Akbar

The third repetition is replaced with “Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allah,” which means “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah.” This phrase serves to reinforce the Muslim faith in the oneness of God.

The Second Call: “Ashhadu An La Ilaha Illallah”

The second call of the Iqama emphasizes the fundamental principle of Islamic faith: the Oneness and Uniqueness of God. It is recited as follows:

Ashhadu An La Ilaha Illallah

This phrase translates to “I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah.” It is a declaration of belief in the absolute sovereignty of God, acknowledging that there is no other creator, sustainer, or entity deserving of worship besides Him.

The significance of this call lies in its affirmation of God’s unique attributes:

Oneness (Tawhid): It emphasizes the strict monotheism of Islam, rejecting the concept of multiple deities or the worship of any other entities.
Sovereignty (Rububiyyah): It acknowledges that God alone is the Creator, Provider, and Sustainer of the universe and all its inhabitants.
Worship (Uluhiyyah): It declares that worship, including prayers, supplications, and acts of devotion, should be directed solely to God.

The Third Call: “Ashhadu Anna Muhammadan Rasoolullah”

The third call is a declaration of faith in Muhammad as the Messenger of Allah. It is recited in the same manner as the second call, with the addition of the words “Muhammadan Rasoolullah” (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah).

Meaning and Significance of “Rasoolullah”

The word “rasoolullah” is composed of two Arabic words: “rasool” and “allah.” “Rasool” means messenger, while “allah” is the name of God in Islam. Together, “rasoolullah” translates to “Messenger of Allah” and refers to Muhammad’s role as a prophet and the final messenger of God.

Recitation and Protocol

The third call should be recited with conviction and clarity. It is typically repeated two times, with a pause in between.

Step	Action
1	Recite the declaration, “Ashhadu Anna Muhammadan Rasoolullah” (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah).
2	Pause.
3	Repeat the declaration.

The Fourth Call: “Hayya Alas-Salah”

The fourth call, “Hayya Alas-Salah” (Come to prayer), is recited after the Fajr (dawn) prayer and before the Asr (afternoon) prayer. This call is repeated twice, with slight variations in the wording.

First Iteration

“Hayya Alas-Salah, Hayya Alas-Falah. Ash-hadu an la ilaha ilallah” (“Come to prayer, come to success. I testify that there is no god but Allah”).

Second Iteration

“Hayya Alas-Salah, Hayya Alas-Falah. Lā hawla walā quwwata illa bil-Lāh” (“Come to prayer, come to success. There is no power or strength except with Allah”).

Significance

The fourth call serves as a reminder to Muslims to prioritize prayer over worldly matters. It emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah’s guidance and support in all endeavors.

Table: Variations in the Fourth Call

Call	Time	Iteration
Hayya Alas-Salah	Fajr	Hayya Alas-Salah, Hayya Alas-Falah. Ash-hadu an la ilaha ilallah
Hayya Alas-Salah	Asr	Hayya Alas-Salah, Hayya Alas-Falah. Lā hawla walā quwwata illa bil-Lāh

The Fifth Call: “Hayya Alal-Falah”

The fifth call, “Hayya Alal-Falah” (literally meaning “Come to Salvation”), is recited twice in succession. It is a call to all Muslims to come together and join in the prayer. The phrase “Hayya Alal-Falah” is often translated as “Come to Prayer” or “Come to Success,” emphasizing the importance and benefits of participating in the communal worship.

Eight. “Al-hamdulillah” (Praise be to Allah)

After the fifth call, the Imam recites “Al-hamdulillah” (Praise be to Allah), glorifying and thanking Allah for His countless blessings. The congregation responds with “Wa-llahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest), acknowledging Allah’s supremacy and greatness.

Arabic	English Translation
Al-hamdulillah	Praise be to Allah
Wa-llahu Akbar	Allah is the Greatest

These phrases serve as a reminder of Allah’s boundless mercy, reminding the worshipers of the immense blessings they have received and encouraging them to express their gratitude. They also emphasize the core belief in Islam that Allah is the ultimate source of all goodness and that His greatness is unparalleled.

The Sixth Call: “Allahu Akbar”

The sixth call of the Iqama is “Allahu Akbar.” This call signifies the commencement of the obligatory prayer. Before the Imam (prayer leader) begins the prayer, the Mu’adhin (caller to prayer) calls out, “Allahu Akbar.” This call serves as a reminder to the congregation that the time for prayer has arrived.

The phrase “Allahu Akbar” means “God is the Greatest.” It is a declaration of the supremacy and majesty of God. By uttering this phrase, the Mu’adhin and the congregation acknowledge the greatness of God and their submission to His will.

Here’s a breakdown of the meaning of “Allahu Akbar”:

Arabic Word	Meaning
Allah	God
Hu	He (referring to God)
Akbar	Greatest

The First Takbeer: “Allahu Akbar”

The Iqama begins with the proclamation of “Allahu Akbar” (God is Most Great) twice in succession.

The Second Takbeer: “Allahu Akbar”

This is followed by a second “Allahu Akbar” to signify the start of the formal call to prayer.

“Ash-hadu An La Ilaha Illallah”

The Muadhdhin then declares, “Ash-hadu An La Ilaha Illallah” (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah).

“Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadar Rasulullah”

This is followed by the statement, “Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadar Rasulullah” (I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah).

“Hayya ‘Ala As-Salah”

The Muadhdhin invites the faithful to prayer twice, saying, “Hayya ‘Ala As-Salah” (Come to prayer).

“Hayya ‘Ala Al-Falah”

He then calls upon them to come to success with the words, “Hayya ‘Ala Al-Falah” (Come to success).

“Qad Qamat As-Salah”

The Muadhdhin announces that the prayer has commenced with the phrase, “Qad Qamat As-Salah” (The prayer has begun).

“Qad Qamat As-Salah” (Repeated)

The phrase “Qad Qamat As-Salah” is repeated a second time to emphasize the urgency of attending the prayer.

“Allahu Akbar”

The Muadhdhin returns to the proclamation of “Allahu Akbar” to indicate the end of the formal call to prayer.

The Conclusion: “La Ilaha Illallah”

The Iqama concludes with the solemn declaration of, “La Ilaha Illallah” (There is no god but Allah).

How To Say The Iqama

The Iqama is a call to prayer that is recited by the muezzin, or caller to prayer, from the minaret of a mosque. Muslims heard this call five times each day, at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night. The Iqama is similar to the Adhan, or call to prayer, but it is shorter and more specific and signals that the prayer is about to begin.

To say the Iqama, the muezzin first says, “Allahu Akbar” (“God is great”) four times. He then says, “Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah” (“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah”) twice. He then says, “Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah” (“I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”) twice. He then says, “Hayya ‘ala as-salah” (“Come to prayer”) twice. He then says, “Hayya ‘ala al-falah” (“Come to success”) twice. He then says, “Allahu Akbar” (“God is great”) once. He then says, “La ilaha illa Allah” (“There is no god but Allah”) once.