3 Easy Ways to Say the Iqama in English

A picture of someone giving the Iqama

The Iqama, a fundamental pillar of Islamic practice, is an invocation proclaimed five times a day, summoning the faithful to prayer. It serves as a potent reminder of the unwavering connection between humanity and the divine, echoing through cities and villages, homes and hearts. As the sun embarks on its celestial journey, from dawn’s gentle awakening to twilight’s serene embrace, the call to prayer reverberates, inviting all who hear it to pause, reflect, and reconnect.

The essence of the Iqama lies in its ability to transcend linguistic barriers, uniting Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a shared expression of faith. The words, uttered in Arabic, carry a profound significance that resonates deeply within the hearts of the devout. They beckon the faithful to abandon worldly distractions and immerse themselves in the sanctuary of prayer, where they can find solace, guidance, and a profound connection with the Almighty.

The Iqama serves as a catalyst for spiritual growth and self-reflection. Its repetitive nature fosters a sense of discipline and unwavering commitment, reminding us of the importance of regular communication with God. As we listen to the call to prayer, we are prompted to examine our actions, intentions, and motivations, and to strive for a life that is aligned with divine guidance. The Iqama becomes a potent force in shaping our character, instilling within us a deep sense of humility, gratitude, and unwavering faith.

Understanding the Iqama

The Iqama is the Islamic call to prayer that is recited five times a day. It is a short declaration of faith and a reminder to Muslims of their duty to pray. The Iqama is typically recited by the muezzin, or prayer caller, from the minaret of a mosque. However, it can also be recited by anyone who is present at the time of prayer.

The Iqama is composed of the following words:

Arabic Text		English Translation
الله أكبر.	Allāhu ʾakbar.	God is greatest.
اشهد أن لا إله إلا الله.	Ashhadu an lā ʾilāha ʾillā Allāh.	I bear witness that there is no god but Allah.
اشهد أن محمد رسول الله.	Ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasūlu ʾAllāh.	I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
حي على الصلاة.	Ḥayy ʿalá ṣ-ṣalāh.	Come to prayer.
حي على الفلاح.	Ḥayy ʿalá l-falāḥ.	Come to success.
قد قامت الصلاة.	Qad kāmat ṣ-ṣalāh.	The prayer has begun.
الله أكبر.	Allāhu ʾakbar.	God is greatest.
لا إله إلا الله.	Lā ʾilāha ʾillā Allāh.	There is no god but Allah.

The Iqama is a call to prayer, but it is also a reminder of the fundamental beliefs of Islam. The words of the Iqama declare that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger. They also call on Muslims to come to prayer and to strive for success in this life and the next.

Reciting the Iqama

The Iqama is recited twice before each of the five daily prayers. The first recitation is made at the beginning of the prayer time, and the second recitation is made just before the prayer begins. The Iqama is recited in a slightly different way than the Adhan, or call to prayer. The Iqama is recited in a lower voice and without the use of a megaphone.

To recite the Iqama, stand facing the direction of Mecca. Raise your hands to your ears and say the following words.

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah, Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah. Ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasul Allah, Ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasul Allah. Hayya ala الصلاة, Hayya ala الصلاة. Hayya ala al-falah, Hayya ala al-falah. Qad qamat al-salat, Qad qamat al-salat. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La ilaha illa Allah.

After reciting the Iqama, lower your hands and begin the prayer.

Pronunciation Guide for Arabic Letters

Consonants

The Arabic alphabet has 28 consonants, most of which have similar pronunciations to their English counterparts. Here’s a detailed guide for each consonant:

Arabic Letter	IPA Pronunciation	English Equivalent
ب	/b/	B as in “boy”
ت	/t/	T as in “top”
ث	/θ/	Th as in “thin”
ج	/dʒ/	J as in “jump”
ح	/ħ/	A voiceless pharyngeal fricative (no English equivalent)
خ	/x/	Kh as in “loch”
د	/d/	D as in “dog”
ذ	/ð/	Th as in “the”
ر	/r/	R as in “roll”
ز	/z/	Z as in “zebra”
س	/s/	S as in “sand”
ش	/ʃ/	Sh as in “ship”
ص	/sˤ/	An emphatic S (no English equivalent)
ض	/dˤ/	An emphatic D (no English equivalent)
ط	/tˤ/	An emphatic T (no English equivalent)
ظ	/zˤ/	An emphatic Z (no English equivalent)
ع	/ʕ/	A voiced pharyngeal fricative (no English equivalent)
غ	/ɣ/	Gh as in “gargle”
ف	/f/	F as in “father”
ق	/q/	Q as in “queen”
ك	/k/	K as in “kite”
ل	/l/	L as in “love”
م	/m/	M as in “moon”
ن	/n/	N as in “now”
ه	/h/	H as in “hat”
و	/w/	W as in “water”
ي	/j/	Y as in “yes”

Breaking Down the Iqama into Sections

The Iqama, or call to prayer, is a key part of Muslim religious practice. It is a series of chanted phrases that are recited five times a day to summon Muslims to prayer.

1. First Section: “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is Greatest)

This section is repeated four times and is a declaration of Allah’s greatness and power. It serves as a reminder that Allah is the most important thing in life and that all else is secondary.

2. Second Section: “Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allah” (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah)

This section is repeated twice and is a declaration of faith in the oneness of Allah. It is a reminder that there is only one true God and that all other gods are false.

3. Third Section: “Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulu Allah” (I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah)

This section is repeated twice and is a declaration of faith in the prophethood of Muhammad. It is a reminder that Muhammad is the final prophet of Allah and that his teachings are the true path to salvation.

This section also includes a call to prayer, which is repeated twice and is as follows:

Arabic Text	English Translation
“Hayya ‘ala as-salat”	“Come to prayer”
“Hayya ‘ala al-falah”	“Come to success”

Practicing the Iqama Aloud

Practicing the Iqama aloud is an essential part of learning how to perform it correctly. Here are a few tips for practicing effectively:

1. Listen to a recording of the Iqama: Before attempting to recite the Iqama aloud, listen to a recording of it being recited correctly. This will help you get a feel for the rhythm and intonation of the words.

2. Practice in front of a mirror: Watching yourself in a mirror while reciting the Iqama can help you identify any areas where you need to improve your pronunciation or hand movements.

3. Record yourself and listen back: Recording yourself reciting the Iqama and then listening back to it can help you identify any mistakes you may be making. Focus on improving your pronunciation, intonation, and hand movements.

4. Practice regularly: Consistency is key when it comes to practicing the Iqama. Set aside a few minutes each day to practice, even if it’s just for a short amount of time. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how to practice the Iqama aloud:

a. Break down the Iqama into smaller parts

Divide the Iqama into smaller sections, such as the opening Takbir, the Shahada, and the Adhan. Practice each section individually until you can recite it without mistakes.

b. Focus on pronunciation

Pay close attention to the pronunciation of the Arabic words. Make sure you are enunciating the letters clearly and using the correct vowel sounds.

c. Use hand movements

The Iqama is typically performed with hand movements. Practice the hand movements along with the recitation to help you stay in rhythm and focus.

d. Practice in different settings

Once you have practiced the Iqama in a quiet environment, try reciting it in a more challenging setting, such as a busy mosque or at a gathering.

Correcting Common Mistakes

1. Pronouncing “Allah” Incorrectly

Make sure to pronounce “Allah” correctly as “al-LAH.” Avoid saying “al-LAA,” as this is an incorrect pronunciation.

2. Mispronouncing “Iqama”

The word “Iqama” is pronounced “ee-KAM-ah,” with the emphasis on the second syllable. Do not say “ee-KAM-ah-ah.”

3. Reciting the Iqama in a Rushed Manner

Take your time when reciting the Iqama, clearly enunciating each word and allowing enough time for the congregation to hear and respond.

4. Mixing Up the Phrases

Be mindful of the order of the phrases within the Iqama. For instance, the phrase “Hayya ‘ala al-falah” should not be said before “Hayya ‘ala as-salah.”

5. Incorrectly Positioned Call to Prayer

The caller should stand facing the Qiblah and position themselves at least 20 steps away from the congregation. They should ensure that their voice reaches the entire group without distortion.

Incorrect	Correct
Standing too close to the congregation	Standing at least 20 steps away
Facing away from the Qiblah	Facing the Qiblah
Voice that is too faint or distorted	Voice that reaches the entire congregation clearly

Pronunciation of the Iqama

The Iqama (also known as the call to prayer) is an important part of Muslim worship. It is a call to the faithful to come together for prayer. The Iqama is recited in Arabic, and it is important to pronounce it correctly in order to be understood.

Tips for Fluent and Accurate Recitation

1. Practice Regularly

The more you practice, the better you will become at reciting the Iqama. Try to practice reciting the Iqama every day, even if it is just for a few minutes.

2. Listen to Recordings

Listening to recordings of the Iqama can help you to improve your pronunciation. There are many recordings available online, so you can find one that suits your needs.

3. Use a Tutor

If you are having trouble reciting the Iqama correctly, you may want to consider getting a tutor. A tutor can help you to understand the proper pronunciation and techniques.

4. Be Patient

Learning to recite the Iqama correctly takes time and practice. Do not get discouraged if you do not see results immediately. Just keep practicing, and you will eventually be able to recite the Iqama fluently and accurately.

5. Use a Mirror

Watching yourself in a mirror while you recite the Iqama can help you to identify any areas where you need to improve your pronunciation.

6. Emphasize the Correct Syllables

The Iqama is a chanted text, and it is important to emphasize the correct syllables in order to be understood. The following table shows the correct pronunciation of the Iqama:

Arabic	English
الله أكبر	Allahu Akbar
أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله	Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah
أشهد أن محمدا رسول الله	Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasul Allah
حي على الصلاة	Hayya ‘ala as-Salah
حي على الفلاح	Hayya ‘ala al-Falah
قد قامت الصلاة	Iqamat as-Salah
الله أكبر	Allahu Akbar
لا إله إلا الله	La ilaha illa Allah

The Importance of Tajweed

Tajweed is the proper recitation of the Quran. It is an essential part of Islamic worship and is necessary to understand the meaning of the Quran. Tajweed requires a deep understanding of the Arabic language and grammar, as well as a knowledge of the rules of recitation.

There are many benefits to reciting the Quran with Tajweed. It helps to ensure that the Quran is recited correctly, which is important for maintaining the meaning and message of the text. It also helps to improve pronunciation and fluency in Arabic, and can make reciting the Quran more enjoyable and rewarding.

There are seven main aspects of Tajweed that are important to understand:

Makharij al- huruf: The points of articulation of the letters. This refers to the specific position of the tongue, lips, and teeth when pronouncing each letter.
Sifaat al- huruf: The qualities of the letters. This includes the articulation of the letters with or without tension, and the presence or absence of vibration or aspiration.
Ahkam al-tafkheem wa al-tarqeeq: The rules of emphasis and softening. This refers to the way in which certain letters are pronounced with greater or lesser force.
Ahkam al-idgham: The rules of assimilation. This refers to the way in which certain letters are assimilated into the following letter.
Ahkam al-iqlab: The rules of substitution. This refers to the way in which certain letters are substituted for other letters in certain circumstances.
Ahkam al-mad wa al-qasr: The rules of prolongation and shortening. This refers to the way in which certain vowels are pronounced with greater or lesser length.

Ahkam al-waqf wa al-ibtida`: The rules of pausing and beginning. This refers to the way in which the Quran is recited with pauses and starts at the appropriate places.

Aspect of Tajweed	Description
Makharij al- huruf	The points of articulation of the letters
Sifaat al- huruf	The qualities of the letters
Ahkam al-tafkheem wa al-tarqeeq	The rules of emphasis and softening
Ahkam al-idgham	The rules of assimilation
Ahkam al-iqlab	The rules of substitution
Ahkam al-mad wa al-qasr	The rules of prolongation and shortening
Ahkam al-waqf wa al-ibtida`	The rules of pausing and beginning

Learning Tajweed can be a challenging but rewarding process. There are many resources available to help you learn Tajweed, including books, websites, and classes. With patience and practice, you can master the art of Tajweed and recite the Quran with eloquence and accuracy.

Memorizing the Iqama

Memorizing the Iqama is a crucial step for Muslims who wish to perform Salah individually or lead a congregation. Here are eight effective tips to aid in memorization:

1. Break It Down

Divide the Iqama into smaller segments and focus on memorizing one part at a time. This makes the task less daunting and easier to retain.

2. Repetitive Recitation

Repeating the Iqama multiple times helps strengthen memory. Practice reciting it out loud or internally whenever possible.

3. Listen and Repeat

Listen to recordings of the Iqama. This exposes your ears to the correct pronunciation and helps you memorize it more effectively.

4. Visualize the Arabic Text

When reciting the Iqama, try to visualize the Arabic text in your mind. This creates a stronger connection between the words and their meanings.

5. Use Mnemonics

Create memory aids, such as rhymes or acronyms, to associate the different parts of the Iqama. This makes memorization more interesting and enjoyable.

6. Teach Others

Explaining the Iqama to others can reinforce your understanding and help you retain it better.

7. Utilize Apps and Websites

Take advantage of online resources such as apps and websites that provide interactive lessons and quizzes on the Iqama.

8. Consistent Practice

The key to memorization is consistency. Dedicate time each day to practice reciting the Iqama, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Regular practice strengthens your memory and makes it more automatic.

Tip	Description
Break It Down	Divide the Iqama into smaller segments and focus on memorizing one part at a time.
Repetitive Recitation	Repeat the Iqama multiple times to strengthen memory.
Listen and Repeat	Listen to recordings of the Iqama to expose your ears to the correct pronunciation.

Applications of the Iqama in Prayer

The Iqama is an Islamic call to prayer that is recited before each obligatory prayer. It is similar to the Adhan, but it is shorter and does not include the words “Ash-hadu an Muhammadan Rasulullah” (I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah).

The Iqama is a sunnah, which means that it is not obligatory but it is highly recommended. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Whoever hears the Iqama and does not respond with it, his prayer is not valid.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i)

Here are some of the applications of the Iqama in prayer:

1. It signals the start of the prayer.
2. It reminds the people who are about to pray that it is time to prepare themselves.
3. It helps to create a sense of unity and community among the worshippers.
4. It makes the prayer more organized and structured.
5. It helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the prayer is performed in a timely manner.
6. It helps to keep the worshippers focused and attentive during the prayer.
7. It can help to motivate the worshippers to make their prayers more meaningful.
8. It can help to increase the worshippers’ sense of connection with Allah.
9. It can help to make the prayer more enjoyable and rewarding.

The Iqama is a beautiful and important part of the Islamic prayer. It is a reminder of the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) Sunnah and it helps to create a sense of unity and community among the worshippers.

1. Iqama Prayer: The Intention (Niyyah)

Before starting the Iqama, set your intention (Niyyah) to perform the Iqama for the specific prayer (e.g., Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, or Isha).

2. Takbir al-Ihram (Opening Takbir)

Raise both hands up to your ears and say, “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest).

3. Iqama Text

Recite the Iqama text aloud, repeating each line twice:

• Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar (2x)

• Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah (2x)

• Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah, Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah (2x)

• Hayya ‘alas-Salah, Hayya ‘alas-Salah (2x)

• Hayya ‘alal-Falah, Hayya ‘alal-Falah (2x)

• Qad qamatis-Salah, Qad qamatis-Salah (2x)

• Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar (2x)

• La ilaha illa Allah (1x)

4. As-Salam ‘Alaykum Wa Rahmatullah (Optional)

If the congregation is gathered, you can add the following greeting after the Iqama text:

• As-Salam ‘Alaykum Wa Rahmatullah (Peace be upon you and the mercy of God)

5. Repeat the Iqama for the Second Time

Repeat the Iqama text in its entirety a second time.

6. Answer the Iqama

The congregation responds to the Iqama with the words “Wa ‘Alaykum As-Salam Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh” (And upon you be peace and the mercy of God and His blessings).

7. Slight Pause

Pause briefly before commencing the prayer.

8. Opening Takbir

Raise both hands up to your ears and say, “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest) to start the prayer.

9. Qunut (Optional)

If you want, you can recite the Qunut supplication after the opening Takbir.

10. The Rest of the Prayer

Continue with the rest of the prayer, including the recitation of verses from the Quran, Ruku (bowing), Sujud (prostration), and sitting positions.

Additional Resources for Practice

Resource	Description
Iqama Audio Recording	Listen to a recorded Iqama to practice the pronunciation.
Iqama Video Demonstration	Watch a video of someone performing the Iqama to observe the physical movements.
Iqama Text with Arabic Script	View the Iqama text written in Arabic script to enhance your understanding.
Iqama Practice Group	Connect with others who want to practice the Iqama and improve their pronunciation.

How To Say The Iqama

The Iqama is a call to prayer that is recited by the Muezzin, or prayer caller, from the minaret of a mosque. It is a beautiful and melodic call that invites Muslims to come and pray. The Iqama is said in Arabic, and the words are as follows:

اللّه أكبر اللّه أكبر Ash-hadu an lā ilāha illā-llāh
Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasūlu-llāh
Hayya ‘ala-s-salāh
Hayya ‘ala-l-falāh
Qad qāmati-s-salāh
Qad qāmati-s-salāh
Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar
La ilaha ill Allah

The translation of the Iqama is as follows:

God is most great, God is most great
I bear witness that there is no god but God
I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God
Come to prayer
Come to success
The prayer has begun
The prayer has begun
God is most great, God is most great
There is no god but God