Adhan and Iqamah - Words and Etiquette
The adhan announces each prayer and the iqamah announces its start. Repeating their words, sending blessings on the Prophet, and asking his intercession carry immense reward.
Also searched as: azan ke alfaaz | adhan words | dua after azan | iqamat ke alfaaz
How to
Steps in order
- 1Stop talking and worldly activity when the adhan begins.
- 2Repeat each phrase after the muazzin; say La hawla at the Hayya phrases.
- 3Send blessings (durood) on the Prophet, peace be upon him.
- 4Recite the wasilah dua after adhan and make personal dua before iqamah.
The words
Allahu Akbar four times, the two testimonies twice each, Hayya alas-salah and Hayya alal-falah twice each, then Allahu Akbar twice and La ilaha illallah once - in Fajr, As-salatu khayrum-minan-nawm is added twice.
The iqamah repeats the same phrases mostly once, adding Qad qamatis-salah twice before the final takbirs.
Answering the call
Repeat the muazzin’s words silently, except at the two Hayya phrases where you say La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.
After the adhan, send durood on the Prophet and recite the wasilah dua - his intercession becomes due for you.
Sources & review
Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim (adhan, its reply and the wasilah dua)
Learn personal details from a qualified teacher; minor school differences exist.
Educational content — not a fatwa. See methodology and disclaimer.
Reviewed • 2026-01-01Our methodology
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the dua after adhan?
Allahumma Rabba hadhihid-da’watit-tammah - asking the praiseworthy station (wasilah) for the Prophet. Its Arabic and meaning are on our dua pages.
Should women give adhan?
Adhan and iqamah are a communal duty of men; women pray with iqamah said quietly according to many scholars.
Can I talk during adhan?
Listening and replying is sunnah; idle talk during it is disliked - pause and answer the call.
Duas
Related duas
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