Ikamah is the second call to prayer in Islam which marks the start of prayer. Ikamah is usually recited by the muezzin in the mosque after the first call which is called the call to prayer. If you want to recite the ikamah, it is better that you memorize it so that you can do it alone or repeat it after the muezzin.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Reciting the Second Call to Prayer
Step 1. Start with “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar” to open the ikamah
“Allahu Akbar” means “Allah is Great.” Say it twice to start the ikamah.
If you belong to the Hanafi or Shia sects, generally this sentence is recited 4 times instead of 2
Step 2. Say “Ashhadu al laa ilaaha illa l-Laah” in honor of Allah
This sentence means "I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship but Allah." Recite it as a sign of your obedience to Allah while getting ready to pray.
If you are Hanafi or Shia, recite it twice
Step 3. Say “ayshadu anna muhammadar rasuulu l-Laah” in honor of Muhammad
This sentence means "I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." This sentence reminds us that Muhammad is the last messenger to convey the teachings of Allah in the world.
If you are Hanafi or Shia, recite it twice
Step 4. Say “Hayya 'alas salaah” as a reminder to pray
This sentence means “let's pray.” This is a call to prayer to the congregation.
If you are Hanafi or Shia, recite it twice
Step 5. Recite "Hayya 'alal falah" as a reminder of the importance of prayer
This sentence means "Let's go to success." This is a reminder that praying and obeying Allah's commands will help you improve yourself and achieve success.
- If you are Hanafi or Shia, recite it twice.
- Sometimes “hayya” means “hurry up” so this sentence can also be understood as “hurry towards success.”
Step 6. Recite "Qad qaamati salaah, Qad qaamati salaah" as a prayer reminder
“Qad qaamati salaah” means “salat is about to begin,” and this sentence is recited twice. When this sentence is recited, the congregation understands that it is time to make a line. Generally, the congregation is in a position ready to pray.
- This sentence is sometimes interpreted as "the prayer has begun."
- Generally, you do not pronounce this sentence if it is not the person calling the congregation.
Step 7. Honor Allah by repeating “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar
“Allahu Akbar” means “God is Great.” Recite it twice to honor Allah before the prayer begins and to remind yourself of the teachings of Islam.
You honor Allah at the beginning and at the end of the marriage
Step 8. Close the ikamah with "Laa ilaaha illallah"
This sentence means "there is no god worthy of worship but Allah." Say it to honor Allah and show your obedience. This sentence closes the ikamah and signifies that the prayer time has started.
Part 2 of 2: Reciting Ikamah as a Ritual
Step 1. Recite the ikamah every time you pray together
Usually, the muezzin will lead the ikamah in a loud voice. Muezzins may also use loudspeakers. Recite the ikamah together with the muezzin as a tribute to Allah and prepare for prayer.
- Do not repeat the phrase "Qad qaamati salaah, Qad qaamati salaah" unless this is a tradition in your mosque. Usually only the muezzin recites this sentence, meaning “the prayer is about to begin.”
- Your congregation may just repeat the call to prayer. If so, do not recite the ikamah together with the muezzin.
Step 2. Recite the ikamah as a reminder when you pray alone
Ikamah is used to remind the congregation as a whole that the time for prayer has arrived, but ikamah can also be used as a reminder of Islamic teachings. You don't have to recite the ikamah to yourself, but reciting it will strengthen your faith and build good religious habits. If you wish, you can recite it while praying alone.
If you pray with other people, even if only one person, it is better to recite the ikamah. The congregation with the highest religious knowledge should be the leader. Ikamah is usually recited by men if the congregation consists of men and women
Tip:
If you pray alone, you do not need to recite the ikamah. However, you better recite it.
Step 3. Place your arms at your sides during the ikamah
During the call to prayer, the hands are usually raised to cover the ears. This movement is not required during the ikamah. Straighten your arms on the outside of your body and get ready to pray.
Step 4. Recite quickly and in a low monotone
Unlike the azan, the ikamah is recited in a low voice. Lower your voice until your pitch sounds rhythmic and rhythmic. Say it quickly and then start praying. Follow the direction of the muezzin if you are in the mosque.
If you follow the Maliki School, pause between sentences of ikamah so that your prayers become slower
Tips
- Pray to Allah between azan and ikamah because the Prophet Muhammad said that requests made between azan and ikamah will not be refused.
- Generally, the call to prayer and the ikamah are recited by the same person, namely the muezzin in the mosque. However, the muezzin or imam can give permission to others to recite it.
