Eid al-Fitr Takbir: The Joyful Expression of Gratitude & Celebration

What is Eid al-Fitr Takbir?

Eid al-Fitr is a significant religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide. The festival marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual reflection. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. One of the most important traditions of Eid al-Fitr is the recitation of Takbir, the glorification of Allah, which Muslims recite in a loud voice in unison to celebrate the occasion. It is a joyful expression of gratitude and devotion, an announcement of the end of the month-long fast, and a proclamation of the beginning of a new phase of spiritual rejuvenation and celebration.

The festival's exact date varies depending on the sighting of the new moon, which marks the beginning of the month of Shawwal. The festival typically lasts three days, a time of great rejoicing and celebration for Muslims worldwide.

Visit our Ramadan 2024 page for more Ramadan and Eid content!

The Significance of Eid al-Fitr Takbir

Eid al-Fitr Takbir is an important part of Islamic tradition, reflecting the deep spiritual significance of the festival. It is an expression of joy and gratitude, a celebration of the blessings of Allah, and a reminder of the importance of faith and devotion in the life of a Muslim. The Zikr is a powerful symbol of unity and community. It is performed individually and in groups of people from all walks of life and backgrounds, coming together to celebrate a common faith and tradition.

The Role of Eid al-Fitr Takbir in Contemporary Celebrations

In contemporary times, Eid al-Fitr Takbir plays a significant role in celebrating Eid al-Fitr. It is a time of great joy and festivity, and the chant is an important part of the collective experience of the celebration. In many countries, Takbir is broadcast on television and radio.

When is the Eid Al-Fitr Takbir Recited?

Muslims recite the Eid al-Fitr Takbir loudly from sundown on the last day of Ramadan until the beginning of the Eid prayer, which is conducted the next day morning.  Muslims are encouraged to recite it as much as possible during this period.

وَلِتُكْمِلُوا۟ ٱلْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

"And you should suffice the number and let you glorify Allah for His guidance given to you, that you may be grateful."
(Surat al-Baqarah: 185)

This verse explains that when people have finished fasting in Ramadan, it is prescribed to glorify Allah with Takbir.

The Beauty of Takbir in Eid al-Fitr

The recitation of Takbir in Eid al-Fitr is a beautiful and uplifting experience. It is a way of bringing Muslims together and creating a sense of community and unity. The sound of thousands of people reciting the same phrase in unison is awe-inspiring and fills the heart with joy and happiness.

Eid Al-Fitr Takbir Words & Meaning

There are a number of different forms of Eid Takbir recited by the Muslims. This is one of them:

اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ،اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ الله ُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وللهِ الْحَمْدُ

Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar la ilaha illa-Allah, wa Allahu akbar, Allah akbar, wa Lillah il-hamd

Allah is Most Great, Allah is most Great, Allah is most Great there is no god but Allah, Allah is Most great, Allah is most great, and to Allah belongs all praise

(This is generally recited three times)

اللهُ أَكْبَرُ كَبِيْرًا، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ كَثِيْرًا،  وَسُبْحَانَ اللهِ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيْلاً

Allāhu Akbar kabirā, Walhamdulillāhi kathīrā، Wasubhānallāhi bukratan wa aṣīlā

Allah is most Great, much praise be to Allah and glory be to Allah at the beginning and end of the day

لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ،  وَلاَ نَعْبُدُ إِلاَّ إِيَّاهُ، مُخْلِصِيْنَ لَهُ الدِّيْنَ، وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْكَافِرُوْنَ

Lā ilāha illallāhu، walā na’budu illā iyyāhu mukhliṣīna lahuddīn, Walau karihal kāfirūn

There is no god but Allah, and we worship none but Him, being faithful to Him in religion, though the disbelievers hate it.

لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ وَحْدَهُ، صَدَقَ وَعْدَهُ،  وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ

Lā ilāha illallāhu wahdah, ṣadaqa wa’dah، wanaṣara ‘abdah

There is no god but Allah alone, he fulfilled his promise, and his servant was victorious

 وَأَعَزَّ جُنْدَهُ،  وَهَزَمَ الأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ

wa a’azza jundahu، wahazam-al ahzāba wahdah

He strengthened his soldiers and defeated the parties alone.

لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ وَاللهُ أَكْبَرُ

Lā ilāha illallāhu wallāhu Akbar

There is no god but Allah, Allah is Most Great

اللهُ أَكْبَرُ وَللهِ الْحَمْدُ

Allāhu Akbar walillāhil hamd

Allah is most great, and to Allah belongs all praise

Tips for Reciting Takbir in Eid al-Fitr

Reciting Takbir during Eid al-Fitr is a beautiful tradition every Muslim should embrace. Here are some tips for reciting Takbir:

• Learn the correct pronunciation of Takbir: The proper way to recite Takbir is essential, and Muslims should learn it.
• Recite Takbir in a loud voice: Takbir is supposed to be recited in a loud voice, so make sure you recite it in a clear and audible voice.
• Recite Takbir in unison: Reciting Takbir in unison with others creates a sense of community and unity, so try to recite it with others if possible.
• Recite Takbir frequently: The more you recite Takbir, the better it is. Recite it frequently from sundown on the last day of Ramadan until the beginning of the Eid prayer.

Cover Image Credit: Arka Roy on Unsplash