Ruling on Adhān and Iqāmah for Nafl (Voluntary) Prayers
Source: Fatāwā Amunpuri by Shaykh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Amunpuri
❖ Question:
What is the ruling on giving Adhān and Iqāmah for nafl (voluntary) prayers?
❖ Answer:
Adhān and Iqāmah are not legislated for nafl prayers. Adhān is prescribed only for the five obligatory prayers. No nafl prayer has Adhān.
Even for the ʿĪd prayers — though they are obligatory — Adhān is not Sunnah.
One may announce nafl prayers if needed, but giving Adhān or Iqāmah for them has no basis in the Prophetic era, the era of the Companions, or after that.
Scholarly Consensus
❀ ʿAllāmah Ibn Baṭṭāl (رحمه الله, d. 449H) said:
إجماع المسلمين على أن النافلة بالليل والنهار لا أذان لها .
“The Muslims are unanimous that nafl prayers — whether during the day or night — have no Adhān.”
(Sharḥ al-Bukhārī: 2/251; al-Istidhkār: 1/405; al-Tamhīd by Ibn ʿAbd al-Barr: 8/108)
❀ Ḥāfiẓ Ibn ʿAbd al-Barr (رحمه الله, d. 463H) said:
قد أجمع العلماء أن لا أذان ولا إقامة فى النافلة فأغنى عن الكلام فى ذلك .
“The scholars are unanimous that there is neither Adhān nor Iqāmah for nafl prayers. Hence, there is no need for further discussion on the matter.”
(al-Tamhīd: 8/108)
✅ Conclusion:
Adhān and Iqāmah are exclusive to the five daily obligatory prayers. For nafl prayers, there is neither Adhān nor Iqāmah — a matter upon which the scholars are unanimous.
