Worship & Rituals
Takbir
Takbīr
The declaration "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest), pronounced to begin Salah, between movements, and on many other occasions.
What is Takbir?
Takbir is the proclamation "Allahu Akbar" — "Allah is the Greatest". These two words affirm that Allah is greater than everything: greater than any worry, any worldly power, and anything the mind can conceive. The takbir is woven through the entire prayer and through the life of a Muslim, constantly returning the heart to the supremacy of Allah.
Takbir in the Prayer
The prayer begins with the opening takbir (takbiratul-ihram): raising the hands and saying "Allahu Akbar", upon which the worshipper enters the sacred state of prayer and worldly speech becomes forbidden. Thereafter, a takbir marks each transition — going into ruku, into sujud, rising between them, and standing for the next unit. These transitional takbirs keep the worshipper mindful and ordered throughout the salah.
Takbir Beyond the Prayer
- Adhan and iqamah: the call to prayer opens with "Allahu Akbar".
- The two Eids: the takbir is proclaimed aloud on the days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
- Takbir al-Tashriq: said after the obligatory prayers during the days of Hajj.
- In moments of awe, gratitude, victory, or hardship, believers say "Allahu Akbar" to remember Allah's greatness.
Its Meaning
Allah commands: "And your Lord, magnify [Him]" (Quran 74:3) and "...and that you may magnify Allah for that to which He has guided you..." (Quran 2:185). The takbir trains the believer to place Allah above all else, so that no fear, desire, or distraction can rival the greatness of the Creator in the heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between takbir and takbiratul-ihram?
Takbir is the general saying of "Allahu Akbar". Takbiratul-ihram is the specific opening takbir that begins the prayer; it is a pillar of the salah, while the takbirs between movements are emphasised sunnah.
When do we say takbir in daily life?
Muslims say "Allahu Akbar" on the two Eids, after prayers during Hajj season, when climbing or ascending, and at any moment of wonder, gratitude, or difficulty as a reminder that Allah is greater than all.
Etymology & origin
Takbir (التكبير) means "to declare greatness", from the root K-B-R ("great"). It is the saying of Allahu Akbar ("Allah is the Greatest"). It opens the prayer, marks each change of posture within it, and is proclaimed on many occasions of joy, hardship, and worship throughout a Muslim's life.
References
- Quran:
- 74:3, 2:185, 17:111, 22:37
- Hadith:
- Bukhari 789 / Muslim 392 (the Prophet saying takbir at each rising and bowing); Abu Dawud 61 / Tirmidhi 3 (the key to prayer is purification, its opening is the takbir); Bukhari 933 (the takbir of the two Eids)
Related terms
Adhan (Azan) — The Islamic Call to Prayer
The Islamic call to prayer (Adhan or Azan), recited five times a day by the muezzin from the mosque to summon Muslims to salah. Consists of seven phrases repeated in a set order (with an eighth added in Fajr), all rooted in the Prophet's ﷺ sunnah.
Ruku
The bowing position in Salah where the worshipper bends from the waist, placing hands on knees, glorifying Allah saying "Subhana Rabbi al-Azim".
Sajdah
The prostration in Salah where seven body parts (forehead, nose, palms, knees, toes) touch the ground; the closest position to Allah.
Salah (Islamic Prayer)
The second pillar of Islam: ritual worship performed five times daily, consisting of specific recitations, bowing and prostrations facing the Kaaba.
Takbiratul Ihram
The opening 'Allahu Akbar' that begins the prayer. A required pillar (rukn); once said, all worldly speech and action become forbidden until the closing salam.