Do You Have to Say Adhan and Iqamah When Praying Alone?

Importance of Adhan and Iqamah in Individual Prayers

It is recommended for the person who is praying alone to say the Adhan and Iqamah because of the general meaning of the reports that refer to them.

Ash-Shaykh Mansur Al-Bahwati (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

“They (the Adhan and Iqamah) are Sunnah (for the person who is praying alone) because of the general meaning of the Hadith of `Uqbah ibn `Amir (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘Your Lord likes it when a shepherd at the top of a mountain pass calls the Adhan for prayer and then prays. Then Allah Says, “Look at this slave of mine, saying the Adhan and the Iqamah for prayer and fearing Me. I ask you to bear witness that I have forgiven My slave and will admit him to Paradise.”’” (Narrated by An-Nisa’i)

The Sunnah of Adhan and Iqamah for Travelers

The Adhan and Iqamah are also Sunnah for travellers, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to Malik ibn Al-Huwayrith and his cousin (may Allah be pleased with them): “When you two travel, say the Adhan and Iqamah for prayer, and let the elder of you lead the prayer.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). (End quote from Mutalib Ulai An-Nuha, part 1, Bab Al-Adhan)

Is It Disliked to Skip Adhan and Iqamah in Individual Prayers?

It is disliked for the one who is praying alone to neglect the Adhan and Iqamah. Ash-Shafi`i (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

“If a man neglects to say the Adhan and Iqamah when he is praying alone or in congregation, I regard that as disliked, but he does not have to repeat the prayers he did without the Adhan or Iqamah.” (End quote)

For more details, please see the following answers: 20225, 9360, 10078

And Allah knows best.