in this matter, and so that the muezzin knows that he is responsible for both announcements. However, he should not give the iqamah except with the imam’s permission or because the imam is excused, for Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) would not give the iqamah until the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came out. If he was delayed, they would ask him, “The prayer, O Messenger of Allah!” (1)

The apparent meaning of the author’s words is that the muezzin is the one who gives the iqamah, even if he is acting as a substitute for the regular muezzin. For example, the regular muezzin may appoint someone to give the adhan on his behalf due to an excuse, then arrive before the iqamah; in that case, the muezzin who gave the adhan, rather than the regular muezzin, gives the iqamah. A hadith concerning this has been reported (2). If it is authentic, then it settles the matter. If it is not authentic, it is possible that the regular muezzin should give the iqamah, since he is the principal, whereas the deputy is subordinate and acted on his behalf during his absence. Once he arrives, the basis for the deputation no longer remains.

His statement, “in his place, if it is easy,” means that he gives the iqamah in the place where he gave the adhan. Imam Ahmad explicitly stated