and so that he may obtain the takbīrat al-iḥrām (the opening “Allāhu akbar”); for the distinctive merit mentioned in the texts is gained only by being present when the imam pronounces his opening takbīr.

If the iqāma is called while a person is already engaged in a supererogatory prayer whose opening takbīr he has previously uttered, he should complete it quickly and not break it—unless he fears missing the congregation. Allah, Exalted is He, says, “and do not annul your deeds” (Qur’an 47:33). Should he fear losing the congregation, he must cut short the voluntary prayer, because the obligatory prayer takes precedence.