Takbeer of Eid ul Adha: Words, Meaning, and When to Say It

The Takbeer of Eid Ul Adha is the most cherished and spiritually recharging expression in Islam, observing the period of sacrifice, religion, and gratitude. This loud declaration glorifies Allah and unites Muslims worldwide on the sacred days of Dhul Hijjah.

Understanding the words, meaning, and proper timing of the Eid takbeer lyrics deepens one’s connection to this significant ceremony and enhances the joy of Eid ul Adha.

What Is the Takbeer of Eid ul Adha?

The Takbeer of Eid Ul Adha is a certain type of glorifying and exalting Allah by the repeated recitation of Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest), as well as other expressions of praise and appreciation.

Takbeer is one of the most strongly recommended practices of Sunnah that Muslims around the globe do during the pre-Eid ul Adha days, specifically from the dawn break of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (the Day of Arafah) up to sunset on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.

This ritual declaration plays an excellent role in pinpointing the religious nature of Eid ul Adha 2025, commemorating the sacrifice and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). Takbeer of Eid Ul Adha reminds us of Allah’s greatness, compassion, and the need to obey His command.

Takbeer of Eid Ul Adha words are often recited aloud in congregations, at home, in mosques, and on streets, giving the overall feel of worship and joyfulness to the Muslims. While the wording varies marginally from a school of thought to school of thought, the most commonly used is:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha ill-Allahu, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa Lillaahil-hamd.

(Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no god to be worshipped except Allah, and Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and praise be to Allah.)

In brief, Takbeer of Eid Ul Adha is not just a ritualistic affirmation but a powerful spiritual declaration bearing testimony to the spirit of faith, submission, and gratitude, thus making it an integral part of the Eid celebration.  

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Text and Meaning of the Takbeer

The Takbeer of Eid Ul Adha is a profound expression of respect and belief, uttered traditionally in a bid to glorify Allah in the auspicious days of Dhul Hijjah. It is not just a religious utterance but also an exhibition of the themes of sacrifice, obedience, and gratefulness that make up the celebration of Eid ul Adha.

The most widely employed formulation of the takbeer of Eid ul Adha is:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha ill-Allahu, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa Lillaahil-hamd.

English Translation:

God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah. God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, and praise to Allah.

This Takbeer of Eid Ul Adha highlights several significant theological concepts at the heart of Islamic faith:

“Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest): A reaffirmation of Allah’s greatest perfection over all things.

“Laa ilaaha ill-Allahu” (There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah): The very witness of Islamic monotheism (Tawheed).

“Wa Lillaahil-hamd” (And to Allah belongs all praise): A claim that all blessings, accomplishments, and acts of worship belong to Allah’s bounty and mercy.

By being aware of the text and what it signifies, believers are able to recite the Takbeer of Eid Ul Adha on a deeper level, beyond mere repetition to heartfelt remembrance and obedience.

Such spiritual connection gives more significance to Eid ul Adha so that the takbeer is not just a word but a sincere declaration of faith and submission.   

When to Begin and End the Takbeer

Identifying the appropriate time for reciting the Takbeer of Eid Ul Adha, and how many Takbeer in eid prayer is highly significant to do this holy act of worship in accordance with Islamic tradition.

The takbeer is done on specific dates of Dhul Hijjah, and scholars have identified two major forms of takbeer: takbeer al-mutlaq (unrestricted takbeer) and takbeer al-muqayyad (restricted takbeer).

Takbeer Al-Mutlaq (Unrestricted Takbeer)

The open Takbeer of Eid Ul Adha is permissible to be recited at any time of day or night, individually or together, from the beginning of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah—the Day of Arafah.

It is allowable to recite this form of takbeer at home, in streets, in mosques, in marketplaces, or while undertaking routine activities. It is a way to keep Allah’s remembrance alive during the sacred days.

Takbeer al-Muqayyad (Restricted Takbeer)

The restricted Takbeer of Eid Ul Adha has a direct link with the five daily prayers. It begins after the Fajr prayer on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) and continues until after the Asr prayer on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. This form is generally recited immediately after every obligatory prayer, whether it is done individually or collectively.

When to End the Takbeer of Eid ul Adha

The final time when the Takbeer of Eid Ul Adha should be recited is following the Asr prayer on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, marking the end of the Days of Tashreeq. Thus, takbir is recited for five days, which is one of the longest periods of consecutive takbeer in the Muslim calendar.

Muslims by complying with the recitation of takbeer are fulfilling a beautiful Sunnah and aspire to be spiritually attuned to Prophet Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) heritage.

The Takbeer of Eid Ul Adha is a collective act of worship that resonates in each salah, each home, and each assemblage across these blessed days.

Takbeer in the Sunnah and the Companions’ Practice

The Prophet’s Companions, even some of the powerful figures such as Ibn Umar and Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with them), were well-known for their loud and out-of-turn recitation of the takbeer of Eid ul Adha. Historical records show that:

Ibn Umar and Abu Hurairah would go to the markets on Tashreeq days, shouting aloud with the takbeer, thereby encouraging others to follow in the same way.

The takbeer would resonate throughout Madinah as both men and women engaged in glorifying Allah in homes, streets, and congregations. The practice continued across the generations of the Tabi‘een (the followers of the Companions), solidifying its place as a communal Sunnah.

These reports highlight the public and communal nature of the Takbeer of Eid Ul Adha, intended to fill the environment with the mention of Allah at a time of great spiritual worth.

Through the restoration of this Sunnah today, Muslims around the world can continue the practice of the Prophet ﷺ and the Companions, enriching their faith and feeling of community through public adoration of Allah on Eid ul Adha.  

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Conclusion

Takbeer of Eid Ul Adha is an extremely significant expression of spirituality, oneness, and commitment that eloquently represents the significance of this holy day. With knowledge of its text, meaning, timing, and Sunnah and Companion tradition background, Muslims are able to enhance their celebrations of Eid with increased spiritual awareness.  

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FAQs

What is the takbeer of Eid ul Adha?

It is the repeated glorification of Allah, typically saying “Allahu Akbar” and related phrases, especially during Eid ul Adha.

When should the takbeer of Eid ul Adha be recited?

From the dawn of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah until after Asr prayer on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.

What are the words of the takbeer of Eid ul Adha?

“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha ill-Allahu, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa Lillaahil-hamd.”

Why is the takbeer important during Eid ul Adha?

It glorifies Allah, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice and unites Muslims in worship and celebration.

Did the Prophet’s Companions recite the takbeer publicly?

Yes, they would loudly recite the takbeer in markets, mosques, and homes during the days of Tashreeq.