Eid is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims globally. Islam has two Eids, Eid-ul-Adha (celebrated in the month of Zil-Haj) and Eid-ul-Fitr (celebrated after the Holy month of Ramadan.
Both Eids have a specific Eid prayer which is slightly different from normal Salah and is offered by millions of Muslims globally. The Eid prayer holds a significant value that it pulls out both practicing and non-practicing Muslims to the mosque.
This blog will discuss the number of Takbir in Eid prayer and how to say them. We will also discuss the significance of Eid Salah and why it has more Takbirs than regular Salah.
What is Takbir of Eid?
Takbir of Eid is a supplication made by Muslims on the day of Eid. Here are the Arabic words used in Takbir of Eid.
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ. وَاَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
English transliteration of Eid Takbir
Here is the English transliteration of Takbir of Eid.
Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Lā ilāha illallāh. Wa Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, wa lillāhil-hamd.
English translation of Eid Takbir
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no deity except Allah. And Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise is due to Allah.
When to say Eid Takbir?
The Takbir for Eid is the same for both Eids, but the time of reciting this Arabic phrase differs. You can say the Takbir of Eid-ul-Fitr after the Isha Salah before Eid day, and you can recite the Eid Takbir as many times as you want to till the Eid Salah.
For Eid-ul-Adha, the recitation of Eid Takbir begins on the 1st Zil-Haj and ends on the third day of Eid-ul-Adha. Muslims also recite this Takbir during Haj in the month of Zil-Haj.
How many Takbeer are in the Eid prayer?
As mentioned in the introduction, the Eid prayer is slightly different than the regular Salha. The only difference is the number of Takbeer (Allahu Akhbar) performed during Salatul Eid.
A two rak’ah obligatory Salah has 9 Takbeers recited at the start, before ruku and before and after Sajda. However, the Eid prayer has an additional three or more for a single rak’ah.
Muslims are divided on the number of Takbeer in the Eid prayer. The Hanafi School of thought preaches and practices seven Takbir in Eid Salah. Four Takbeer in the first rak’ah and three in the second.
The Shafi’i, Hanbali, and Maliki believers have more Takbeers for Eid Salah. They offer seven Takbirs in the first rak’ah and five in the second. All Takbir are recited before bowing down (Ruku). The Shia Muslims have six Takbir in the first rak’ah and four in the second.
We believe that both versions of Takbirs for Eid prayers are correct. However, you must read this Hadith before making up your mind.
Hadith: Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-‘As: The Prophet (PBUH) used to say on the day of the breaking of the fast seven takbirs in the first rak’ah and then recite the Qur’an, and utter the takbir (Allah is most great). Then he would stand, and utter the takbir four times. Thereafter he would recite the Qur’an and bow. Abu Dawud said: This has been narrated by Waki’ and Ibn al-Mubarak. Their version goes: “Seven (in the first rak’ah) and five (in the second).” —Sunan Abi Dawud 1152
Explanation: The Hadith is transmitted in Sunan Abi Dawud, which is considered one of the most authentic Hadith books. You can clearly see that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) practiced seven Hadiths in the first Rak’ah of Eid prayer and five in the second.
In this Hadith, the word ‘on the day of breaking fast means the day of Eid-ul-Fitr. Here is the dua for breaking fast, dua for Taraweeh, and dua for Ramadan. For non-Muslims, here is a complete guide on why Muslims fast during Ramadan.
Takbeer in Eid Prayer| Reference from Sunan Ibn Majah
Hadith: It was narrated from ‘Aishah that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said the Takbir seven and five times in (the prayer for ‘Eid) Fitr and Adha, apart from the Takbir for Ruku’ (bowing). —Sunan Ibn Majah 1280
how many Takbeer are in Eid Prayer| Reference from Jami at-Tirmidhi
Hadith: Kathir bin Abdullah narrated from this father, from his grandfather: “The Prophet said the Takbir in the first (Rak’ah) sever (times) before the recitation and in the last, five (times) before the recitation.” —Jami` at-Tirmidhi 536
What is the best supplication on Eid except Takbir?
The Holy Propeht (PBUH) used to recite the following supplication on Friday and Eid.
سَبِّحِ ٱسْمَ رَبِّكَ ٱلْأَعْلَى. هَلْ أَتَىٰكَ حَدِيثُ ٱلْغَـٰشِيَةِ
Transliteration: Sabbih isma rabbika al-a’la. Hal ataka hadithul-ghashiyah.
Translation: GLorify the Name of Your Lord, the Most High, and Has there come to you the narration of The Overwhelming? The first part of this decree is taken from Surah Al-A’la Verse 1, and the second part is from Surah Al-Ghashiyah Verse 1.
Wrap Up
The benefits of saying Takbir on Eid is widely practiced by Muslims globally. We have done our duty listing facts about Eid Takbir and when to say it. We have also answered how many takbeer are in Eid prayer, and mentioned relevant Sahih Hadiths so you know the source of our claim.
We hope you will find this guide useful and will share this knowledge with others.
FAQs
How many Takbeer are in Eid Prayer?
There are seven takbeers in the first Rak’ah and five in the second. These Takbeers are apart from the Takbeer said in Ruku and Sajda. The Hadiths backing the number of seven and five are mentioned above.
Hadith: It was narrated from Ibraheem bin ‘Abdullah – i.e., Ibn Farrookh – that his father said: I offered the Eid prayer behind `Uthman (رضي الله عنه), and he said the takbeer seven times and five times (i.e., in the first and second rak’ahs, respectively). —Musnad Ahmad 542
The Hadith is graded ‘Da’if,‘ which means weak. It is weak because Mahboob bin Muhriz and Ibraheem bin Abdullah’s are unknown.
How many Takbeer in Eid prayer in Hanafi?
Muslims following the Hanafi school of thought say four Takbeer in the first rak’ah and three in the second rak’ah of the Eid prayer.
Is listening to Eid sermon Farz?
Muslims consider listening to the sermon of the Eid prayer compulsory and sit in huge numbers to listen to the imam after offering Eid Salah. However, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) permitted his companion to leave after offering Eid Salah. That means that listening to Eid sermon after Eid prayer is not farz or compulsory.
Hadith: ‘Abdullah bin Sa’ib said: “I attended the ‘Eid prayer with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). He led us in offering the ‘Eid prayer, then he said: ‘I have finished the prayer. Whoever wants to sit (and listen to) the sermon, then let him sit, and whoever wants to leave, then let him leave.’” —Sunan Ibn Majah 1290
Is fasting on Eid forbidden in Islam?
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) forbade fasting on Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. Eid is considered a day of celebration, and how can you celebrate the day without eating and drinking Halal foods? Therefore, it is forbidden to fast on Eid.
Hadith: Abu Ubaid, the freed slave of Ibn Azhar, reported: I observed Id along with Umar b. al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with him). He came (out in an open space) and prayed and (after) completing it addressed the people and said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has forbidden the observing of fast on these two days. One is the day of Fitr (at the end of your fasts), and the second one, the day when you eat (the meat) of your sacrifices. —Sahih Muslim Book 6 H#2533
Which Quranic Verse should be recited on Eid?
Any Quranic verse can be recited to attain Allah’s blessings on the blessed day of Eid. However, if you want to follow the Sunnah, recite Surah Qaf and Surah Al-Qamar.
Hadith: Narrated Abu Waqid al-Laithi (RA): The Prophet (PBUH) used to recite on (‘Eid) al-Adha and (‘Eid) al-Fitr, Surat Qaf (Chapter 50) and Surat Al-Qamar (Chapter 54). — Bulugh al-MaramBook 2, Hadith 424, also transmitted in Sahih Muslim 891a.
What else should you know?
Here is a list of a few powerful Islamic terms you should know.
