In this unit
- Muslims call the adhan for the daily prayers to announce the entry of the prayer time.
- The iqamah announces the start of the prayer.
- Make dua between the adhan and the iqamah.
Keywords
- Adhan
- Iqamah
It is sunnah to say the adhan to announce the beginning of the 5 daily prayers. It is also sunnah to say the iqamah to let people know that the prayer is just about to begin.
The Adhan Described
The Adhan Described
- Make wudu (it is sunnah to do this)
- Stand with your chest facing the Qiblah
- Say the following (only say the Arabic words that are in column 3)

The words of the adhan are in this table
The Adhan of Fabr/Subh (Morning)
The Adhan of Fabr/Subh (Morning)
In the adhan of the morning prayer, it is sunnah to add one more line before line 6; you say:
الصلاة خير من النوم (as-salaatu khayrum min an-nawm) which means prayer is better than sleep.
The Iqamah (Call to Start the Prayer)
The Iqamah (Call to Start the Prayer)
You say the iqamah right before the prayer starts. You can say the iqamah whether praying with a group or by yourself. Women can say the iqamah if they are not praying with men.
The words of the iqamah are very similar to the words of the adhan. Here is what you say:

The words of the iqamah are in this table
Who Can Make the Adhan
Who Can Make the Adhan
A Muslim male who is 7 years or older can make the public adhan. For women, the adhan is not sunnah. The adhan should be said loud enough for some people to hear it.
What to Say When You Hear the Adhan and Iqamah
What to Say When You Hear the Adhan and Iqamah
It is sunnah for anyone who hears the adhan and iqamah to repeat the statements except
- In response to the haya ‘alas salah and haya ‘alal falaah one should say la hawla wa la quwwata illaa bi-Allah (لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله) which means nothing can change and no one can do anything except by Allah’s (will).
- In response to qad qaamatis salah one should say aqaamaha Allah wa adaamahaa wa ja’alany min salihiy ahliha ( وجعلني من صالحي أهلها أقامه الله وأدامه) which means May Allah keep it everlasting and make me of those who uphold it.
- In response to the as-salaatu khayrum min an-nawm one should say sadaqta wa barirt (صدقت وبرِرت) which means you have told the truth and said something good.
What to Say after the Adhan
What to Say after the Adhan
- Say salah and salam on the Prophet and his family
- Say this du’a
اللهم رب هذه الدعوة التامة والصلاة القائمة آت محمداً الوسيلة والفضيلة وابعثه مقاما محموداُ الذي وعدته
Which means, “O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and of the regular prayer which is going to be established. Give Muhammad (saws) the right of intercession and superiority and bestow upon him the station of Praise and Glory which You promised him; You never ever go against Your Promises. - Then make du’a for yourself, your family, your teachers and the Muslims