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
Fard (Obligatory)
The obligatory acts in Islam, including the five daily prayers.
Ramadan (The Month of Fasting)
The holy month of fasting, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Tawassul (Intercession/Mediation)
Seeking nearness to Allah through holy persons such as the Prophet and Ahl al-Bayt.
Qabd (Folding the Arms in Prayer)
The practice of folding the arms over the chest or below the navel during the standing position in prayer.
Waqt (Prayer Time)
The specific time interval within which a prayer must be performed.
Akhirah (The Hereafter)
Life after death — the eternal life that prayer prepares the believer for.