The Takbir of Eid al-Fitr
When it begins: The takbir of Eid al-Fitr begins at the setting of the sun on the last night of Ramadan (i.e., the eve of Eid al-Fitr) and continues until the Eid prayer begins. The Quran: “And so that you may complete the count [of Ramadan’s days] and glorify Allah.” (2:185)
The form: The commonly transmitted form of the Eid takbir: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahi al-hamd. (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no deity except Allah, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.)
Variations: The classical scholars transmitted several forms of the takbir; the above is the most widespread. Some traditions add: Allahu Akbar kabiran wa al-hamdulillahi kathiran wa subhana Allah bukratan wa asilan.
In Bohra practice: The Eid takbir in the Dawoodi Bohra community follows the Da’i’s transmitted tradition, incorporating specific phrases that reflect the community’s Fatimid liturgical heritage.
See also: Eid Prayer, Ramadan Guide, Five Pillars Of Islam, Zakat Al Fitr
The Takbir of Eid al-Adha
When it begins: The takbir of Eid al-Adha is more extended than that of Eid al-Fitr. It begins on the morning of Arafat (9th Dhul-Hijja) and continues through the Ayyam al-Tashriq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijja):
“Remember Allah during [specific] numbered days. But whoever hastens [his departure] in two days — there is no sin upon him; and whoever delays [until the third] — there is no sin upon him — for him who fears Allah.” (2:203)
The Ayyam al-Tashriq: The three days after Eid al-Adha are Ayyam al-Tashriq (Days of Drying Meat) — originally when the sacrifice meat was dried in the sun. The Prophet: “The days of Tashriq are days of eating, drinking, and remembrance of Allah.” — Muslim
After the prayers: The Eid al-Adha takbir is recited after every obligatory prayer during the Ayyam al-Tashriq period — making every prayer’s conclusion an opportunity for communal glorification.
See also: Eid Al Adha, Wuquf, Mina And Muzdalifah, Hajj Journey
The Spiritual Dimension of the Takbir
Public proclamation as community act: The takbir’s most important dimension is its communal, public character. Unlike the private dhikr of the individual (counted on fingers or a tasbeeh), the Eid takbir is meant to be audible — proclaimed aloud in the streets, at the mosque, between family members. The community that says Allahu Akbar together is making a collective statement of identity and gratitude.
Akbar meaning: Allahu Akbar does not simply mean “Allah is Great” — akbar (comparative/superlative) means “Allah is Greater/Greatest” — greater than everything: than our fears, our celebrations, our wealth, our enemies. The Eid day’s joy does not compete with Allah; it is encompassed within the declaration that Allah exceeds everything.
Ismaili ta’wil of the takbir: In the Ismaili tradition, the takbir is one of the great symbols of walayah made public. When the community says Allahu Akbar together, they are proclaiming the Imam’s absolute priority — that the Imam’s reality (as Allah’s wali) is greater than any other claim on the believer’s allegiance.
See also: Dhikr, Morning Evening Adhkar, Understanding Walayah, Sunnat Al Nabi
See also: Eid Prayer, Ramadan Guide, Five Pillars Of Islam, Zakat Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Wuquf, Mina And Muzdalifah, Hajj Journey, Dhikr, Morning Evening Adhkar, Understanding Walayah, Sunnat Al Nabi, Understanding Namaz