What is the Eid takbir and when is it said?

Detailed answer

The Eid takbir is a short phrase of praise that Muslims repeat to glorify Allah at the end of Ramadan. For Eid al-Fitr it is said from sunset on the night of Eid until the Eid prayer begins, at home, in the street, in the car and at the mosque.

What the Quran says

Allah says about Ramadan: "…so that you complete the number of days and glorify Allah for having guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful" (Al-Baqarah 2:185). Many scholars explain that "glorify Allah" here refers to the takbir said when the month is completed.

The words

A common wording, reported from the Companions, is:

Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar wa lillahil-hamd.

Meaning: "Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no god but Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise belongs to Allah." Some people say "Allahu akbar" three times at the start, and there are other wordings as well. All of them are fine.

When to say it

• Start: at sunset on the last day of Ramadan, once it is confirmed that the next day is Eid (by the moon sighting or the completion of 30 days). See our moon and crescent page.
• End: when the imam starts the Eid prayer.
• Best moments: on the way to the prayer and while waiting for it to start.

For Eid al-Adha the takbir lasts longer, through the days of Eid.

How to say it

Men usually say it aloud, and women say it in a voice suited to where they are. Saying it together in a group is common in many mosques; some scholars prefer that each person says it individually. If you are unsure, follow the practice of your local mosque.

Tips

• Teach the words to your children; they love saying it on the way to the prayer.
• Read about the other sunnahs of Eid al-Fitr and how to pray the Eid prayer.