Iqāmah (اقامة)
Definition and Significance
Iqāmah (اقامة) refers to a particular recitation carried out at the commencement of the stated prayers (Salat) in Islam, specifically when performed in congregation. It signifies the formal initiation of the prayer after the worshippers have taken their positions. The term literally means “Causing to stand.”
Etymology
The word Iqāmah is derived from the Arabic root “Qāma” (قام), which means “to stand” or “to establish.”
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: إقامة (Iqāmah)
- Turkish: İkāmet
Procedure
The sentences of the Iqāmah are similar to those of the Adhān (the call to prayer), with the addition of the phrase “Qad qāmatiṣ-ṣalāh” (قد قامت الصلاة), which translates to “Verily, the prayer is ready [to begin]”. This phrase is recited twice. Iqāmah is performed by the Muqtadī (the follower) standing behind the Imām, who leads the prayer. In larger mosques, this responsibility often falls to the Muʾaẕẕin (caller to prayer).
Sect-Specific Practices
- Hanafī: In the Hanafī school of thought, the Iqāmah is recited in exactly the same manner as the Adhān.
- Other Sects: Other Sunni and Shia sects generally recite the sentences of the Iqāmah singly and not in the same repetitive manner as the Adhān.
Roles and Responsibility
- Imām: The leader of the congregational prayer.
- Muqtadī: The person standing behind the Imām, who is responsible for reciting the Iqāmah.
- Muʾaẕẕin: The caller to prayer, who usually performs the Iqāmah in larger mosques in the absence of a Muqtadī.
Further Reading
For more detailed explorations of Iqāmah and its significance in Islamic rituals and culture, consider the following scholarly books:
- “Fiqh us-Sunnah” by Sayyid Sabiq
- “The Book of Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat)” in Sahih Muslim
- “Fortress of the Muslim” (Hisnul Muslim) by Sa’id bin Ali bin Wahaf Al-Qahtani
Takeaways
- Iqāmah is a crucial part of congregational prayers in Islam, marking the formal beginning of the Salat.
- While similar to the Adhān, it includes the additional phrase declaring the prayer to be ready.
- The practice varies slightly across different Islamic sects, highlighting its flexible adaptation within the core precepts of Islamic tradition.
Conclusion
Iqāmah stands as an essential ritual in Islamic communal prayers, serving not only as a call to attention but also symbolizing unity and preparedness among the worshippers. Through its varied rendition within different Islamic schools, it exemplifies the rich diversity in practice while maintaining a unified core of Islamic worship.
The Iqāmah is a deeply significant element in Islamic prayer, encapsulating both preparation and communal commitment to the divine act of Salat. Whether through the lenses of jurisprudence, cultural practice, or daily ritual, understanding Iqāmah offers a richer appreciation of its role within Islam.
