Iqamah (Second Call to Prayer)
The second call to prayer, recited just before the prayer begins.
Iqamah (Arabic: إقامة) is the second call to prayer, recited immediately before the obligatory prayer begins. While the adhan announces that the prayer time has arrived, the iqamah signals that the prayer is now starting.
The iqamah is similar in wording to the adhan, but is recited more quickly and with the addition of "Qad qamatis-salah" (The prayer has begun). In most schools of law, each phrase is said only once (unlike the adhan, where some phrases are repeated).
It is recommended to have a short pause between the adhan and iqamah, so people can prepare for prayer with wudu and come to the mosque. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Between the adhan and iqamah there is a prayer" — this refers to sunnah prayers that are performed between the two calls.
Related terms
Haram (Forbidden)
Actions that are strictly forbidden in Islamic law.
Laylat al-Mi'raj (The Night of Ascension)
The night when Prophet Muhammad journeyed to the heavens and received the gift of prayer.
Ijma' (Consensus)
Agreement among Islamic scholars on a legal question, considered the third source of Islamic law.
Niyyah (Intention)
The conscious intention in the heart to perform a specific prayer.
Sajdah (Prostration)
Prostration with the forehead on the ground — the most humble position in prayer.
Makruh (Discouraged)
Actions that are discouraged in Islamic law but not forbidden.