SHIA ADHAN/AZAN AND IQAMAH

Azan is the call for prayer. There is a slight difference between the Shia Azan and Sunni Azan. The command for Azan was given in Madinah. The word “Azan” was used in the Glorious Qur’an in Suarh al-Tawbah Ayah 3, “This Announcement from Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) is to be made to the people on the day of the great Pilgrimage; Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) have declared no amnesty for the pagans.” Al Kulayni said in al-Kafi, “The Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) said: When the Messenger of Allah ascended to the Heaven and reached “Bayt al-Ma’mur, the prayer time came. Hence, Archangel Geb’raeel called out Azan and Iqamah. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) stood in front and the angels and other Prophets queued behind him” In another tradition it is narrated that the Infallible Imam Ja’ffar as-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “When Archangel Geb’raeel descended to the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) bearing the command of Azan, his honorable head was on the lap of Imam Ali (a.s.). Geb’raeel called out Azan and Iqamah. When he (s.a.w.a.s.) recovered back to his normal state, he asked Imam Ali (a.s.), “Did you hear that?”, he (a.s.) replied, “Yes”, he (a.s.w.a.s.) asked, “Did you memorize it?” he (a.s.) replied, “Yes”. He (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Call Bilal, and teach him the Azan.”   The person who recites the Azan is called “Mu’azzen”. The first “Muazzen” was Hazrat Bilal.

The Shia Azan is as follows:

“Allahu Akbar” “Allah is the Greatest” (4 times),

“Ash’hadu An La Ilaha Illallah” “I certify that there is no deity but Allah” (2 times)

“Ash’hadu Anna Muhammadur Rasulallah” “I testify that Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah” (2 times)

“Ashhadu Anna Aliun Waliullah” “I testify that Ali is the vice-gerent of Allah” (2 times) (Preferable)

“Hayya Alas Salah” “Hasten towards prayers” (2 times)

“Hayya Alal Falah” “Hasten towards success” (2 times)

“Hayya Ala Kharul Amal” “Hasten towards best activity” (2 times)

“Allahu Akbar” Allah is the greatest” (2 times)

“La Ilaha Illallah” “No deity except Allah” (2 times)

Iqamah (Set up for prayers) is recited just before the Salat/Namaz starts  

“Allahu Akbar” “Allah is the Greatest” (2 times),

“Ash’hadu An La Ilaha Illallah” “I certify that there is no deity but Allah” (2 times)

“Ash’hadu Anna Muhammadur Rasulallah” “I testify that Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah” (2 times)

“Ashhadu Anna Aliun Waliullah” “I testify that Ali is the vice-gerent of Allah” (2 times)

“Hayya Alas Salah” “Hasten towards prayers” (2 times)

“Hayya Alal Falah” “Hasten towards success” (2 times)

“Hayya Ala Kharul Amal” “Hasten towards best activity” (2 times)

“Qad Iqamatis Salah” “Stand for prayers” (2 times)

“Allahu Akbar” Allah is the greatest” (2 times)

“La Ilaha Illallah” “No deity except Allah” (1 time)

In Salat al-Eid and Salat al-Janaza, no Azan or Iqamah is recited, but only 3 times “Assalaat” is said loudly.

When a child is born, it is required to recite Azan in his right ear and Iqamah in his left ear.

Sources: The glorious Qur’an, Sistani.org, Salat:The mode of Divine Proximity Recognition by Ayatulah Mirza Mahdi Isphahani, Shiism Sunnism by Sayyid Muhammad Ridha Mudarrisi Yazdi, Elements of Islamic Studies by Allama Saeed Akhtar Rizvi