Adhan and Iqamah: Phrasing, Echoing, and Conduct

Read the bilingual lesson for Adhan and Iqamah: Phrasing, Echoing, and Conduct and test your understanding with a focused quiz.

Lesson

1. The Phrasing of Adhan and Iqamah

• Phrasing of Adhan: According to the authoritative Hanafi position, the Adhan consists of fifteen (15) words. It is called without Tarji' (which is the Shafi'i practice of reciting the testimonies silently before calling them aloud), as Tarji' is not legislated in the Hanafi school. • Phrasing of Iqamah: The Iqamah consists of seventeen (17) words. ◦ The Addition: In the Iqamah, the phrase Qad qamatis-salah (Indeed, the prayer has stood) is added twice immediately after Hayya 'alal-falah. • Pronunciation Standard: Worshippers must pronounce all words clearly and in strict accordance with the classical rules of Arabic grammar.

2. Pronunciation Speed: Tarassul and Hadr

وَيَتَمَهَّلُ فِي الأَذَانِ وَيُسْرِعُ فِي الإِقَامَةِ • Al-Tarassul (Deliberation): It is Sunnah to call the Adhan slowly with deliberate pauses between the phrases. This pacing is legally termed Tarassul or Tamahhul. ◦ The Method: The caller must pause after every two Takbirs and after each individual phrase to allow listeners sufficient time to repeat and respond. • Al-Hadr (Hastening): It is Sunnah to call the Iqamah rapidly and continuously without pauses between the phrases. This fast pacing is legally termed Hadr or Isra'. • Juristic Footnote: If the Adhan is called hastily without pauses, it is recommended to repeat it. However, if the Iqamah is called slowly with pauses, repeating it is not recommended.

3. Replying to the Adhan (Ijabah)

وَيُجِيبُ مَنْ سَمِعَ الأَذَانَ بِمِثْلِ مَا قَالَ الْمُؤَذِّنُ • The Default Ruling: It is highly recommended (Mustahabb) for anyone who hears the Adhan to repeat the exact phrases uttered by the Mu'adhin as they are called. • The Exceptions: ◦ Upon hearing the Hayya 'alas: When the Mu'adhin calls Hayya 'alas-salah and Hayya 'alal-falah, the listener does not repeat them. Instead, they reply with: La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (There is no change of state nor power except by the help of Allah). ◦ During the Fajr Adhan: When the Mu'adhin calls As-salatu khayrum-minan-nawm (Prayer is better than sleep), the listener replies with: Sadaqta wa-bararta (You have spoken the truth and done good).

4. Supplication After the Adhan

ثُمَّ يَدْعُو بِالْوَسِيلَةِ وَالْفَضِيلَةِ لِلنَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ • The Salawat: Upon the completion of the Adhan, it is recommended for both the caller and the listener to send blessings (Salawat) upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. • The Prescribed Supplication: After sending blessings, it is Sunnah to recite the famous supplication: ◦ "Allahumma Rabba hadhihid-da'watit-tammah, was-salatil-qa'imah, ati Muhammadanil-wasilata wal-fadilah, wab'athhu maqamam-mahmudanil-ladhi wa'adtah." • Al-Wasilah: Refers to the singular, highest station in Paradise reserved exclusively for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. • Al-Fadilah: Refers to the preeminent status of excellence that elevates him above all of creation.

5. Physical Conduct and Postures of the Mu'adhin

وَأَنْ يَجْعَلَ إِصْبَعَيْهِ فِي أُذُنَيْهِ وَأَنْ يَسْتَقْبِلَ الْقِبْلَةَ وَيُحَوِّلَ وَجْهَهُ يَمِينًا وَيَسَارًا • Finger Placement: It is Sunnah for the Mu'adhin to insert his index fingers into his ears while calling the Adhan. (This physical gesture is not legislated for the calling of the Iqamah). • Facing the Qiblah: The Mu'adhin must stand fully facing the Qiblah direction for the duration of both the Adhan and the Iqamah. • Turning the Neck (al-Talwīh): ◦ Upon calling Hayya 'alas-salah, the caller turns his neck and face to the right. ◦ Upon calling Hayya 'alal-falah, the caller turns his neck and face to the left. ◦ Strict Condition: During this turning, the caller's chest and feet must remain firmly aligned facing the Qiblah and must not rotate away from it.

Practice questions

Question 1

According to the authoritative Hanafi school, what is the exact number of words in the Adhan and the Iqamah?

  • 15 words for Adhan and 15 words for Iqamah.
  • 15 words for Adhan and 17 words for Iqamah.
  • 17 words for Adhan and 15 words for Iqamah.
  • 19 words for Adhan and 17 words for Iqamah.

Question 2

It is Sunnah to call the Adhan rapidly without pauses (Hadr) and to call the Iqamah slowly with deliberate pauses (Tarassul).

  • True
  • False

Question 3

How should a listener respond when the Mu'adhin calls Hayya 'alas-salah and Hayya 'alal-falah during the Adhan?

  • They should repeat those same phrases exactly.
  • They should say: Sadaqta wa-bararta.
  • They should say: La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.
  • They should remain completely silent.

Question 4

When the Mu'adhin calls As-salatu khayrum-minan-nawm during the Fajr Adhan, the listener should respond with Sadaqta wa-bararta.

  • True
  • False

Question 5

Which of the following physical gestures is legislated as Sunnah for the caller of the Adhan but NOT for the Iqamah?

  • Standing while facing the Qiblah.
  • Placing the index fingers inside the ears.
  • Turning the neck to the right and left.
  • Speaking in a loud voice.

Question 6

While turning his neck to the right and left for Hayya 'alas and Hayya 'alal-falah, it is permissible for the Mu'adhin to turn his feet and chest away from the Qiblah.

  • True
  • False

Question 7

Match the Arabic terms of speed and conduct with their correct factual definitions supported by the text:

Question 8

Sort the following phrases into whether they belong exclusively to the Adhan, exclusively to the Iqamah, or are common to both:

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