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
Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)
The Islamic legal science that derives practical rules from the Quran and Sunnah.
Imamat (Divine Leadership)
The doctrine of the twelve divinely appointed Imams who lead the community after the Prophet.
Sajdah (Prostration)
Prostration with the forehead on the ground — the most humble position in prayer.
Kaaba (Allah's Sacred House)
The holiest building in Islam, in Mecca, toward which all Muslims face in prayer.
Tawhid (God's Oneness)
Islamic monotheism — belief in Allah's absolute oneness, the core of prayer.
Du'a Jawshan al-Kabir (The Great Armor)
A long supplication with 1000 of Allah's names and attributes, recited during Ramadan nights.