Takbir (Allahu Akbar)
The exclamation "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest), marking transitions in the prayer.
Takbir (Arabic: تكبير) is the exclamation "Allahu Akbar", meaning "Allah is the Greatest" or "Allah is Greater". Takbir is used throughout the Islamic prayer to mark transitions between the prayer's different positions.
The first takbir in the prayer is called "takbirat al-ihram" (the opening takbir) and is what officially starts the prayer. From this moment, the worshipper is in a state of ihram (sanctity), and worldly actions such as speaking, eating and drinking are forbidden until the prayer's conclusion.
Takbir is also said during the transition from standing to ruku, from ruku to sajdah, between the two sajdah, and when rising to the next rak'ah. It reminds the worshipper of Allah's greatness at each shift in the prayer.
Outside of prayer, takbir is used during Islamic holidays (Eid), during the adhan, and as a general expression of joy and gratitude toward Allah.
Related terms
Haram (Forbidden)
Actions that are strictly forbidden in Islamic law.
Jannah (Paradise)
The eternal paradise, the reward for faith and good deeds.
Munajat (Intimate Supplication)
Intimate, personal conversations with Allah, an important part of Shia prayer tradition.
Tahajjud (Night Prayer)
The voluntary night prayer performed in the last third of the night.
Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)
The most sacred night in Islam, when the Quran was revealed.
Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)
The ritual of walking seven times around the Kaaba counterclockwise as part of Hajj and Umrah.