Is the Adhan (call to prayer) and Iqamah (second call to prayer) obligatory or recommended for women?
Chapter on Adhan
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The Adhan and Iqamah are not obligatory upon women. This view is held by Ibn Umar, Anas, Sa'id ibn al-Musayyab, al-Hasan, Ibn Sirin, al-Nakha'i, al-Thawri, Malik, Abu Thawr, and the Ashab al-Ra'y (People of Opinion). There is no known disagreement on this point of non-obligation. The reasoning is that the Adhan is primarily for public announcement, which is not legislated for women, and the Adhan requires raising the voice, which is also not legislated for them. Consequently, the Iqamah, being secondary to the Adhan, is also not legislated for those for whom the Adhan is not legislated, similar to someone who has missed congregational prayer or someone not praying at all.
Supporting text
Regarding whether the Adhan or Iqamah is recommended (*yusannu*) for women, there are differing views. Ahmad stated that if they perform it, there is no harm, and if they omit it, it is permissible. The Qadi narrated two narrations regarding the recommendation of the Iqamah for her. It is narrated from Jabir, and agreed upon by 'Ata', Mujahid, and al-Awza'i, that she should perform the Iqamah. Al-Shafi'i stated that if she performs the Adhan and Iqamah, there is no harm. 'A'ishah performed the Adhan and Iqamah, and Ishaq held this view. It is also reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, permitted the Adhan and Iqamah for Umm Warqah and allowed her to lead the women of her household in prayer.