Iqama


The Iqama or Iqamah is the second call to Islamic Prayer, given immediately before the prayer begins. Generally, the iqama is given more quickly and in a more monotonous fashion, compared to the adhan, as it is addressed to those already in the mosque rather than a reminder for those outside it to come to the mosque. Aside from a difference in the number of repetitions of each formula.

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The Hanafi and the Shia schools both use the same number of repetitions of the formula for both the Adhan and the Iqama, contrary to all the other Islamic schools. However, all Sunni schools of thought say either can be recited as there are authentic hadiths for both ways.

Other uses of the term ''iqama''

Iqāma is not the maṣdar form of the fourth stem from the triliteral root Q-W-M, which relates to setting things up, carrying things out, existence, and assorted other meanings. The word iqāma itself is multivalent, but its most common meaning outside the inauguration of prayer is in the context of immigration law, referring to a long-term visa for a foreign national. In some cases, as in Egypt, it is a stamp on the foreigner's passport; in others it is a separate identity document in the form of a plastic card.