Timing and Wordings of the ‘Eid Takbīrs

When to Begin the Takbīrs of ‘Eid and What Words to Say

Taken from: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām

Question

When should the Takbīrs of ‘Eid be started, and what are their exact words?

Answer

Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd:

Time to Begin the ‘Eid Takbīrs

• On ‘Eid al-Fiṭr, the Takbīrs begin immediately after sunset on the last day of Ramadan.
• They continue until the Imam arrives for the ‘Eid prayer.

Authentic Forms of the ‘Eid Takbīrs

First Version:
اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلّٰهِ الْحَمْدُ
(Al-Muṣannaf Ibn Abī Shaybah 1/490, Ḥadīth 5652)

Second Version:
اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ، وَاَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلّٰهِ الْحَمْدُ
(Al-Muṣannaf Ibn Abī Shaybah 1/490, Ḥadīth 5652)

Number of Repetitions

• Saying the Takbīrs twice or thrice is permissible.
• This is a public Islamic symbol (shaʿīrah) and should be expressed openly.

Guidelines for Men and Women

• Men: Recite the Takbīrs aloud, whether in the marketplace, mosque, or at home.
• Women: Recite them quietly.