Iqamat is an important time for prayers to be accepted.
Iqamah is a very valuable act in the life of a Muslim.
In Islam, prayer is the most important act of worship after faith. And the adhan and iqamah are special calls for prayer. Muslims are called to prayer through the adhan, and the iqamah is given just before the prayer begins. Many worshippers are unaware of the importance of the supplications recited during and after the iqamah. However, this is an important Sunnah practice, through which one can receive countless mercy and blessings from Allah.
In this blog, we will discuss in detail the importance of the Iqamat prayer, its virtues, Arabic prayer, Bengali pronunciation, and its benefits.
What is Iqamat?
Iqamat is a special announcement given before the start of obligatory prayers, which prepares the worshippers to stand for prayer. It is similar to the call to prayer, but shorter.
The beginning of the Iqamat indicates that the congregational prayer will begin very soon.
Rules for praying in Iqamah
Responding to the call to prayer
It is Sunnah to respond to the muezzin's words when you hear the call to prayer. It is better to recite Durood Sharif and the supplication after the call to prayer after the call to prayer.
Sitting facing the Qiblah
If possible, sit quietly facing the Qibla and remember Allah. This increases attention and concentration in prayer.
Praying to Allah with humility
Humility, sincerity, and complete faith in Allah are essential when praying.
Allah Almighty says:
“Call upon your Lord humbly and secretly.”
— Surah Al-A’raf: 55
You can pray in your own language
Before the Iqamah, one can pray to Allah in one's native language as well as in Arabic.
For example:
O Allah, guide me.
O Allah, forgive my sins.
O Allah, keep my family safe.
O Allah, grant me lawful sustenance.
Recite Istighfar more often
Before the Iqamah, you can recite the following Istighfar:
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
Pronunciation: Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilaihi.
Meaning: I seek forgiveness from Allah and I turn to Him..
6. Reciting Durood Shareef
Reciting Durood Sharif before and after praying is one of the means of accepting prayers.
7. Responding when the Iqamah begins
It is better to respond to the words of the Iqamah. When the muezzin says:
قَدْ قَامَتِ الصَّلَاةُ
then one can say:
أَقَامَهَا اللهُ وَأَدَامَهَا
Pronunciation: Aqamahallahu wa adamaha.
Meaning: May Allah establish this prayer and make it permanent.
Which supplications are best to say before the Iqamah?
Prayer for forgiveness
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَتُبْ عَلَيَّ
Meaning: “O my Lord! Forgive me and accept my repentance.”
Prayer for guidance
رَبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا
Meaning: “O my Lord! Increase my knowledge.”
اللَّهُمَّ اكْفِنِي بِحَلَالِكَ عَنْ حَرَامِكَ
Meaning: “O Allah! Keep me free from the forbidden by Your lawful.”
Importance of the Iqamat prayer
Opportunity to follow the Sunnah
Reciting dua during Iqamat is a means of following the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him). For a Muslim, following the Sunnah is one of the ways to achieve the pleasure of Allah.
Increases concentration on prayer
Reciting the Iqamat dua prepares the mind for prayer and makes it easier to move away from worldly thoughts and focus on Allah.
Special time for acceptance of prayers
It is mentioned in the Hadith that prayers are especially accepted between the adhan and the iqamah. Therefore, it is very virtuous to pray for oneself, one's family, and the entire Muslim Ummah at this time.
A means of obtaining Allah's mercy
By responding to the iqamah and reciting prayers, a servant can obtain Allah's mercy, blessings, and closeness.
virtue of the Iqamat prayer
Hope for forgiveness
By remembering Allah and acting according to the Sunnah, one can hope for forgiveness of one's sins.
Faith is strengthened
Reciting the Iqamat prayer regularly increases love for prayer and strengthens faith.
Increases contentment in prayer
Supplication and remembrance during the Iqamat increase concentration in prayer and the taste of worship is felt.
Attaining closeness to Allah
A person who is careful about small Sunnah deeds can get closer to Allah.
Things to do during Iqamah
Listen carefully to the words of the Iqamah.
Respond to the words of the muezzin.
Stop worldly conversations.
Stand straight in the prayer line.
Pray sincerely to Allah.
Prepare mentally for prayer.
Conclusion
The time before Iqamah and between the call to prayer and the call to prayer is very valuable for the believer. If we sincerely pray to Allah during this time, we can expect it to be accepted. Therefore, we should spend the time from the call to prayer to the call to prayer in supplication, dhikr, istighfar and durood sharif instead of spending it on gossip or mobile phones.
May Allah Ta'ala grant us all the tawfeeq to properly evaluate this blessed time of Iqamah.
Amen
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