When Should a Person Stand During Iqamah?

If the Imam enters the masjid from the front, as was the general norm in the past, the muqtadis (followers) will stand as soon as they see the Imam.¹ If the Imam enters the masjid from the rear, the muqtadis of each row will stand as the Imam passes by their row.² Furthermore, it is disliked for the muqtadis to stand before the Imam arrives.³

If the Imam is present in the Masjid, then the Imam and muqtadis(congregants) should stand up at the beginning of Iqamah. We are not aware of any Hadith that states that one should stand upon the Muazzin saying Haya-Alas-Salah. The Jurists have advised that one should stand upon the Muazzin saying Haya-Alal-Falah.^{4 5} However, this does not mean that one should not stand before that. What is implied is that and one  should not remain seated after that call.

Furthermore, according to the famous Tabi’ee, Saeed ibn Musayyab Rahmatullah Alayh, one should stand at the beginning of Iqamah.⁶ The probable reason is that it enables the straightening of the rows, which is emphasized in Shariah, and makes it possible to commence the Salah after the Iqamah without delay.

It is important to note that Saeed ibn Musayyab Rahmatullahi Alayhi  was a very great and learned Tabi’ee. He was married to Abu Hurairah Radhiyallahu Anhu’s daughter. He was known to be the most learned man in Madinah. Furthermore, Makhool Rahmatullahi Alayhi mentioned that he had not known of anyone more knowledable than Saeed Rahmatullahi Alayhi.⁷

Nevertheless, such an issue should not lead to disdain and quarrel.