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The word iqama or ikamet (Arabic: إقامة) refers to the second call to Islamic Prayer, given immediately before the prayer begins. Generally, the iqamah is given more quickly and in a more monotonous fashion, compared to the adhan, as it is addressed to those already in the mosque rather than a reminder for those outside it to go to the mosque. Aside from a difference in the number of times each line is said, the iqama differs from the first call to prayer, the adhan in only one place (line 6, below):
Other uses of the term iqama
Iqāmah is not the maṣdar form of the fourth (causative) stem (stem 'af`ala) from the triliteral root Q-W-M, which relates to setting things up, carrying things out, existence, and assorted other meanings. The word iqāmah itself is multivalent, but its most common meaning outside the inauguration of prayer is in the context of immigration law, referring to a long-term visa for a foreign national. In some cases, as in Egypt, it is a stamp on the foreigner's passport; in others (as in Morocco and Saudi Arabia) it is a separate identity document in the form of a plastic card.