Iqama

The iqama (الإِقَامَة) is the shorter call given immediately before the fard prayer starts. The athan announces the time; the iqama announces that the prayer itself is about to begin and the rows are about to be lined up.

The wording

Each phrase is said once, except for the opening and closing takbirs (twice each) and “Qad qamati s-salah” (twice). This is the practice established by the hadith of Anas ibn Malik (RA) in Bukhari and Muslim, in which he describes how the iqama was given in the time of the Prophet ﷺ.

When the iqama is said

The iqama is called immediately before the fard prayer begins. In congregation, the mu’adhdhin (or someone the imam asks) calls it; the people stop their sunnah and du’a, stand and straighten the rows (shoulder to shoulder, foot to foot), and the imam takes his place. As soon as the iqama ends, the imam begins with the takbir al-ihram and the prayer starts.

If you are praying alone, calling the iqama is still recommended — even quietly to yourself — before you begin the fard.

How to respond when you hear it

Respond exactly as you would to the athan: repeat each phrase silently. The two exceptions (“Hayya ‘ala s-salah” / “Hayya ‘ala l-falah” → “La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah”) apply here as well.

For “Qad qamati s-salah” specifically, the more authentic position is to repeat the same phrase rather than say something else — there is no authentic hadith specifying a different response.

Straightening the rows

The Prophet ﷺ would turn to the rows after the iqama, before saying the opening takbir, and instruct: “Straighten your rows, for the straightening of the row is part of the perfection of the prayer.” (Bukhari, Muslim). He also said: “Straighten your rows, align your shoulders, fill the gaps… do not leave gaps for the Shaytan.” (Abu Dawud, sahih).

Practically:

• Shoulders touching the person to your left and right.
• Feet touching the outer edge of the foot of the person beside you.
• No gaps — fill the first row first; do not start a second row until the first is complete.
• Women form their own rows behind the men’s rows.

When the imam says “Allahu Akbar” the prayer begins. From this point onwards see The Three Modes of Praying for what changes when you are following an imam rather than praying alone.