Everything You Need to Know About Takbeer Tashreeq

Every year, millions of pilgrims and nearly two billion Muslims recite a declaration of faith known as the Takbeer Tashreeq around the days of Hajj and Eid Al-Adha. But as this moment comes only once a year, it can be easy to forget the details surrounding how one should recite it and when it should be recited. 

Below we’ve outlined everything you need to know about the Takbeer Tashreeq:

The Origins of Takbeer Tashreeq

Takbeer Tashreeq is a declaration of faith recited by pilgrims after every Fardh Salah during Hajj, as well as those who are at home. 

The story of why we recite this stretches as far back as the time of the Prophet Abraham (AS). The story is renowned. As he was about to sacrifice his son after receiving the order from Allah, the angels who were sent by Allah with a ram began reciting, “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar (Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest).”

As the Prophet Abraham (AS) began listening to this, he replied with the following: “La ilaha illa Allah Wallahu Akbar (There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, and Allah is the greatest).” 

At this moment after hearing the entire conversation, Prophet Ismail (AS) – the son of Prophet Abraham (AS) – realised the mercy that Allah had bestowed upon him and his father, and so he uttered the following: “Allahu Akbar Wa lillahil Hamd (Allah is the greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise).” (Ibid)

When Do We Recite It?

The recitation of the Takbeer Tashreeq commences after the Fardh of Fajr prayers on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, also known as the day of ‘Arafah. The Takbeer should then be recited after every Fardh prayer until the ‘Asr prayer on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. This means that the Takbeer will be recited after a total of 23 prayers. 

In 2023, this means that the recitation of the Takbeer Tashreeq will commence after the Fardh of Fajr prayers on Tuesday 27th June (coinciding with 9th Dhul Hijjah). You will continue to recite it after every Fardh prayer until the ‘Asr prayer on Saturday 1st July (coinciding with 13th Dhul Hijjah).

Is It Obligatory To Recite?

Yes, it is wajib (necessary) for all Muslims, whether they pray individually or in a congregation (jama’at). However, men should recite audibly whilst women should recite softly. 

What If I Forget To Recite It?

If one forgets to recite the Takbeer Tashreeq, it must be recited when one remembers. However, this is only the case if one has not engaged in any act which would otherwise invalidate the prayer such as conversing with others or leaving the prayer space. If this happens, the obligation is missed and it is highly recommended that one does Istighfar (repents).  

How Many Times Do I Recite It?

The Takbeer Tashreeq is only to be recited once after each of the 23 Fardh prayers. If one recites it more than once, there is no harm in doing so. 

What Is The Takbeer Tashreeq?

اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ وَاَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah

Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil Hamd

Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah. 

And Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.