Iqamat-as-Salat

Iqamat-as-Salat – the performance of As-Salat (the Prayers) This is not understood by many Muslims. It means:-

a. Each and every Muslim, male or female, is obliged to offer his Salat regularly five times a day at the specified times, the male in the Masjid in congregation and the female at home. As the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: “Order your children for Salah (prayers) at the age of seven and beat them at the age of ten.” The chief (of a family, town, tribe etc) and the Muslim ruler of a country are held responsible before Allah in case of non-fulfillment of this obligation by the Muslims under his authority.

b. To perform the Salah (prayers) in a way just as Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to perform it with all its rules and regulations, i.e. standing, bowing, prostrating, sitting etc. as he (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: “Perform your Salah (prayers) the way you see me performing them. The Salah begins with Takbir (Allahu Akbar), with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah etc. along with its various postures, standing, bowing, prostrating and sitting etc. and it ends with Taslim. (refer to Al-Bukhari The Book of Characteristics of Salah)

Ibn `Abbas said, "Iqamat As-Salah means to complete the bowings, prostrations, recitation, humbleness and attendance for the prayer.''

Qatadah said, "Iqamat As-Salah means to preserve punctuality, and the ablution, bowings, and prostrations of the prayer.''

Muqatil bin Hayyan said Iqamat As-Salah means "To preserve punctuality for it, as well as completing ones purity for it, and completing the bowings, prostrations, recitation of the Qur'an, Tashahhud and blessings for the Prophet . This is Iqamat As-Salah.''


Excerpt: Tafsir Ibn Kathir Abridged English version