The adhan and iqamah are a foundation for the second pillar of Islam: prayer. The adhan serves as a call for prayer, alerting the Muslim community to the designated time for worship, while the iqamah signals that the congregation should prepare to stand before Allah SWT. Through these rituals, the community is reminded of the importance of faith and the collective act of worship.
The Adhan
The Meaning Of Adhan
Lexically, the word ‘adhan’ means to declare or announce. But in Islam, adhan means the holy words that inform Muslims of prayer times. Adhan is called aloud and a person calling Adhan is called muadhdhin.
The Origin Of Adhan
The Saheeh evidence states that the adhan was first called during the time of the Prophet PBUH and it also states that the first person to give the adhan was Bilal RA.
Nafi’ reported that ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar said that when the Muslims arrived in Al-Madinah, they gathered to figure out the prayer times since no one was giving the call to prayer. They discussed various options: some suggested using a bell like the Christians, while others proposed a horn like the Jews. ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, proposed that they send a man to announce the prayer times. The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) then said to Bilal, “Get up and give the call to prayer.”
[Sunan an-Nasa’i 626]
The Iqamah
The Meaning Of Iqamah
The word iqamah has several meanings, such as to establish or to serve. In Islam, it is also known as the ‘second call to prayer’ and is called before the fard rakat (obligatory rakat) is about to start.
Time Between The Adhan And Iqamah
In a hadith, the Prophet PBUH described the time that should be between the adhan and Iqamah
“O Bilal, leave enough time between the adhan and iqamah for the person who is eating to finish eating, the person who is drinking to finish drinking, and the person who needs to relieve himself to complete his process. And do not stand up till you see me.”
The Differences Between Adhan And Iqamah
Tarassul
When calling the adhan, Muadhdhin needs to pause between phrases. This is known as ‘tarassul.’ Whereas, when calling the iqamah, tarassul is not required, and the words are uttered one after another immediately.
Wudu
The muadhdhin should perform wudu when calling the adhan and should stand while doing so. Although there is no issue with calling the adhan without Wudu, it isn’t considered Makruh. But it is considered makruh (disliked) to call the iqamah without wudu. Nevertheless, if the iqamah is called without wudu, it does not need to be repeated.
The Difference Between Adhan And Iqamah Based On Distance
Living Far From The Masjid
If a person doesn’t live near a masjid and can’t hear the adhan or the iqamah, one should recite them on their own. If one gives the adhan and omits the iqamah, then this is considered makruh. But if one gives the iqamah and omits the adhan, it is not considered makruh.
Living Near The Masjid
If one is praying alone at home and lives near a masjid where both the adhan and iqamah are called, then it is mustahabb (preferred or liked) for one to call both at home. However, if one omits them, it is not considered makruh.
It is worth noting that one doesn’t have to hear the adhan or iqamah physically. If one lives near a masjid where one knows that adhan and iqamah take place, then it is sufficient, and one doesn’t have to recite the adhan or iqamah when the time for prayer starts.