The number of times to say Allahu Akbar, Ash-hadu alla ilaaha, etc., in the Iqaamah

Q. How many times should one say Allahu Akbar, Ash-hadu alla ilaaha, etc., in the Iqaamah?

A. There are differing views on this matter. According to the research of Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahimahullah), the best method is as follows:

a)     4 times Allahu Akbar

b)    2 times Ash-hadu alla ilaaha illallaah

c)     2 times Ash-hadu anna Muhammadar Rasulullaah

d)    2 times Hayya alas-Salaah

e)     2 times Hayya alal-Falaah

f)      2 times Qad qaamatis-Salaah

g)     2 times Allahu Akbar

h)    1 time Laa ilaaha illallaah

The research of Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahimahullah) is based on Ahaadith reported by Hadhrat Abdullah bin Zayd (Radiyallaahu anhu) and mentioned in Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaibah, Tahawi, Bayhaqi and Abu Awanah, according to which the Iqaamah is "double" (i.e. each statement from Ash-hadu alla ilaaha illallaah to Allahu Akbar is said twice), just like the Azaan.

It should be noted, among other things, that according to Tahawi, Hadhrat Suwaid bin Ghaflah (Radiyallaahu anhu) said:

"I heard Hadhrat Bilaal (Radiyallaahu anhu) giving both the Azaan and the Iqaamah in double form."

[English version of "Nombre de fois qu'on doit dire Allahou Akbar, Ash hadou allaailaaha etc. dans l'Iqaamah" – Al Haadi – Vol. 2 No. 9,10]