Things sounded different last week in Abu Dhabi. The iqama call, which plays over loudspeakers some 20 minutes after the call to prayer, signalling the beginning of the congregational prayer, was cancelled.
The General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowment (Awqaf) says the decision is intended to stop people running to the mosque at the last minute.
...
Although there is currently no indication of this ruling being enforced nationally, Awqaf is a federal organisation. So while the iqama broadcasts continue in the rest of the country, these too might soon be silenced. Almost certainly however, opinions about it will not.
31 January, 2009
Cancellation of iqama call
The National
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18 comments:
One of the reasons given was that it's 'unnecessary' to be broadcasted but the thing is it isn't! for eg. there are people working or whatever and they look out for the iqamah [which is about 10/20 mins after the main adhan depending which prayer it is] to go for prayers because they can't leave work or whatever other reason.
People have their issues, you can't just generalise that people shouldn't 'run' to prayer. Not everyone can leave the house or wherever they are just when the adhan sounds.
:S
This doesn't make sense.
or i guess wa allahu aalam
liars
Lets look at it historically, muslims would climb up high, on the roof of a masjid, or in the minara, and call out to prayer.
But the Iqama was always called INSIDE the masjid, to indicate to those who came to the athan's call that now is time to get up and start the prayer.
The Iqama was never meant to be a 2nd athan, and shouldnt have ever been broadcasted as it has been.
As for the running to prayer thing, thats just stupid.
But I agree with this choice 100%, the Athan should be heard as far as can be, it is the call to prayer, The Iqama is the call to those congregated that the prayer is to begin, that should only be heard inside the masjid.
I have no problem with the decree as long as it isnt to not inconvenience our loud mouthed tourists/new expats who find it annoying.....
I am not generalizing, but we all know how some newly arrived Brits love to moan over each and every other thing!
From a non-Muslim:
Is the iqama call a Quranic requirement? Or is there any other binding reason for it?
Is it followed in other countries?
Yes, The Iqama is mentioned in the Quran, and in the Sunnah, It is thus a 100% correct part if Islam, the religion, it isnt a cultural thing.
Prayer CANNOT happen without Iqama. That is a fact. Someone pleaee vend the verse in English that is the translation of "Wa aqeemu asalat wa aatu aszakat..." Im too lazy too look it up for our friend tenali here.
That being said, the issue isnt if Iqama is needed. like I said, prayer cannoy happen without it. It is not like for example, the small prayer that one performs when he 1st shows up to the Masjid. That is not a MUST. it's not a fardh.
Iqama is a fardh. The issue here is if the Iqama should be heard outside of the masjid.
Historically no, it wasnt, like I said, the Athan is the call to prayer, and that has, since the very 1st time Sayedna Bilal called out the very 1st athan,
The iqama was conducted by the imam while he was INSIDE the masjid. And therefore was never intended to act as a 2nd athan.
When microphones showed up, I guess people just started shouting the iqama into the mic as well.
I always thought it was so weird. And finally something has been done to correct it.
Mohamed... I have heard westerners bitch about everything under the sun... BUT religious issues. Most I know/come in contact with are pretty respectable when it comes o Islam... even ask me questions and stuff.
iqama ment to be for those in the mosque only therefore it is not realy necessary to broadcat it. some pepole are againest any change for the sake of it.
And an a separate note, there is no such thing as a "Quranic requirement"
Islamic law are taken from several sources, the 1st of which are the Qur'an. The second being the Sunnah, then comes Ijma'a, then Ijtihad.
An Islamic requirement that is based in the Sunnah for example, isnt any less significant than that that is mentioned in the Qur'an.
Just some background info for ya.
This is insane and complete stupidity.. by shunning the iqama thru loud speakers... atleast it is better than in the UK where even the adhan is called only with in the mosque and not thru loud speakers.....
As for tenali's question, iqamah is a requirement before prayer, every person who offers a prayer even if alone pronounces the iqama...so yes it is a pre-requesite of the prayer...as for stopping it on loud speakers...same bad argument as they made when they centralized adhan...every congregation of believers makes sound to anoounce before the commencement as i know, even Christians, and Hindus, so really i dont knw they have a problem with it, and yes iqamah is practiced in every country where muslims pray coz it is a part of the prayer...whats the whole problem if somebody rushes to the mosque in the last minute?!...i just opted not to pray the nafil...;)
for once ABIT's response is not making me cringe.. on the contrary i would stand with ABIT on this one. though not a fan of the centralized azan, i do believe there is no problem with the iqama being done inside the mosque. its purpose is to get ppl inside the mosque to assemble for prayers. and yes iqama is a proven part of congregation prayer.
This is insane and complete stupidity.. by shunning the iqama thru loud speakers... atleast it is better than in the UK where even the adhan is called only with in the mosque and not thru loud speakers.....
31 January, 2009 22:29
It is a bad idea to compare- the UK is not an Islamic country and the majority population would find broadcast prayers or church bells for that matter at 5.00am deeply intrusive.
As for the Brits or others who moan about it here - well, they know where the airports are.
Peace.
If god is all around us and all knowing, why can't people just pray to him in their heads? I'm sure if he exists he can hear your thoughts.
...just something to ponder.....
MT said...
for once ABIT's response is not making me cringe.. on the contrary i would stand with ABIT on this one. though not a fan of the centralized azan,
Oh come now, Am I really that bad? You just arent used to someone making perfect sense WHILE opposing your own views.
As for the centralized athan (and khutba) we all know that was for political reasons. Reasons getting into here might not be a good idea with our ford watching.
As for the Athan not being heard in the UK... It isnt a muslim country. And as such a part of islamic law is actually obeying the laws of the land you live in.
If you are muslim, but live in a land that is not muslim, you must abide by their rules.
When I was in the US there was no athan heard outside of the mosque. That was fine, it's their city, and they make up the city ordinances.
Anonymous said...
If god is all around us and all knowing, why can't people just pray to him in their heads? I'm sure if he exists he can hear your thoughts.
...just something to ponder.....
Oh he can. And does. But "praying" is alot more than thought. we humans say talk is cheap. It is. Believe takes place in the heart and mind, is fortified by speech, and is cast in actions.
Juts thinking happy thoughts may have worked for peter pan... not so much for God. Just as I dont expect my (for example) engine builder to half ass my job, I doubt God expects people to half ass theirs.
"every person who offers a prayer even if alone pronounces the iqama..."
Does that apply to a woman praying alone??
Neither the adhan or the iqama is a fardh, although they are very highly encouraged. The ayah about aqeemus salaah is saying stand up for prayers. That is a separate issue. While there are differences in shariah law, I have done extensive traditional Islamic studies and can say the above with confidence.
Why do some mosques in Dubai broadcast the calling for prayer, the iqamat as well as 20 minutes of prayers on loud speakers? Is there a new law that compels them to so so?
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