Adhan and Iqamah – JSS1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

Adhan is the first call to prayer, made five times a day by a Mu’azzin to tell Muslims it is time to pray. Iqamah is the second, shorter call, made just before the prayer starts, telling Muslims to stand in lines. Both are said in Arabic and remind Muslims of Allah’s greatness.

Adhan and Iqamah are two special calls in Islam that help Muslims prepare for prayer. They are like beautiful invitations to worship Allah and connect with Him.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain what Adhan and Iqamah are;
• state the meaning of the words of the Adhan;
• list the five daily prayers at which the Adhan is called;
• give reasons why Adhan and Iqamah are important;
• describe how a Muslim should respond when the Adhan is called.

Adhan: the call to prayer

What is Adhan?

Adhan is the first call to prayer that is made five times a day. It is a special announcement that tells Muslims it is time to pray. The person who makes the Adhan is called a Mu’azzin. In many mosques, the Adhan is called from a tall tower called a minaret.

What are the words of the Adhan?

The Adhan is said in Arabic and has meaningful words. Here is what it means:

When is Adhan called?

The Adhan is called five times a day, at the times of the five daily prayers:

• Fajr (dawn prayer)
• Dhuhr (noon prayer)
• Asr (afternoon prayer)
• Maghrib (sunset prayer)
• Isha (night prayer)

Iqamah: the second call to prayer

What is Iqamah?

Iqamah is the second call to prayer. It is shorter than the Adhan and is called just before the prayer starts. It tells Muslims to get ready to stand in lines for prayer.

What are the words of Iqamah?

The Iqamah is also in Arabic and means: “The prayer is about to start.” It is similar to the Adhan but shorter and with slightly different words.

Why is Iqamah important?

Iqamah is a final reminder that it is time to start praying. It helps Muslims organise themselves and prepare their hearts and minds for prayer.

Why are Adhan and Iqamah important?

1. Calling Muslims to worship: They remind Muslims about prayer times.
2. Bringing the community together: They help Muslims come together to pray.
3. Remembering Allah: The words remind us of our faith and Allah’s greatness.
4. Spiritual preparation: They help Muslims get ready for prayer, both physically and mentally.

Interesting facts about the Adhan

• The first Mu’azzin (person who calls Adhan) in Islam was Bilal ibn Rabah, a companion of Prophet Muhammad.
• In some countries, the Adhan can be heard from mosques using loudspeakers.
• Muslims are encouraged to repeat the words of the Adhan in their hearts when they hear it.

How should a Muslim respond to the Adhan?

When you hear the Adhan, it is recommended to:

• Listen carefully
• Repeat the words after the Mu’azzin
• Make a special prayer (dua)
• Think about the meaning of the words

Learning about Adhan and Iqamah helps us understand how Muslims prepare for and perform their prayers. Each word and action has a special meaning that brings people closer to Allah.

Evaluation

1. What is Adhan, and what is the person who calls it named?
2. How is Iqamah different from Adhan?
3. State the meaning of “Come to success” in the Adhan.
4. Who was the first Mu’azzin in Islam?
5. List three things a Muslim should do when the Adhan is called.

Assignment

Write down the five daily prayers and the time of day for each. Then give two reasons why Adhan and Iqamah are important.