During the holy month of Dhul-Hijjah, Muslims around the world engage in a beautiful and powerful act of worship known as Takbeerat-e-Tashreeq. While many are familiar with the chants heard during Eid al-Adha, understanding the meaning and rules behind them adds depth to our worship.
This guide will explain exactly what Takbeerat-e-Tashreeq is, when to recite it, and why it holds such a special place in Islam.
What is Takbeerat-e-Tashreeq?
The term comes from two Arabic words:
- Takbeer: To magnify Allah by saying “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest).
- Tashreeq: Historically, this referred to the “days of drying meat” (Jerky) in the sun after the Eid sacrifice. In Islamic terminology, it refers to the specific days following Eid al-Adha (the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah).
Therefore, Takbeerat-e-Tashreeq refers to the specific praises of Allah recited after the obligatory (Fard) prayers during the days of Eid al-Adha and the days immediately following it.
Why is it Significant?
This recitation acts as a powerful declaration of faith. By reciting it, Muslims:
- Proclaim the Greatness of Allah: It is a reminder that no matter how big our worldly problems are, Allah is greater.
- Follow the Sunnah: It revives the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions.
- Unite the Ummah: During Hajj and all over the world, millions of voices chant these same words in unison, creating a global bond of brotherhood.
When Should You Recite It?
The timing for Takbeerat-e-Tashreeq is very specific. According to the majority of scholars (particularly in the Hanafi school of thought), it is Wajib (necessary) for every Muslim to recite this Takbeer immediately after every Fard prayer during the following window:
- Starts: From the Fajr prayer on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah (The Day of Arafah).
- Ends: After the Asr prayer on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah (The 3rd day of Tashreeq).
Total Duration: This covers a total of 23 prayers over 5 days.
The Wording of the Takbeer
The most common and authentic wording of the Takbeer is as follows:
Arabic:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
Transliteration:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd.
Translation:
“Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no deity besides Allah and Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.”
How to Recite: Etiquettes and Rules
To maximize the blessings of this act, keep these simple rules in mind:
- Immediate Recitation: It should be recited immediately after the Salam (concluding the prayer), before speaking to anyone or changing your sitting position.
- Volume:
- Men: Should recite it audibly (in a moderate, loud voice) to proclaim the glory of Allah.
- Women: Should recite it softly, so that only they can hear themselves.
- Individual vs. Congregation: It is recited whether you prayed in a congregation (Jama’ah) or alone individually.
- If You Forget: If you forget to recite it immediately and start talking or walk out of the Masjid, the obligation drops, but one should seek forgiveness (Istighfar). If you remember shortly after Salam before talking or moving away significantly, you should recite it then.
Quranic References and Spiritual Benefits
The practice is rooted in the Quran, where Allah commands believers to remember Him during these specific days.
“And remember Allah during [specific] numbered days.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:203)
Scholars agree that the “numbered days” mentioned in this verse refer to the Days of Tashreeq.
Spiritual Rewards
- Constant Remembrance: It keeps the heart connected to Allah during a time of celebration and feasting, ensuring we don’t forget our Creator amidst the festivities.
- Gratitude: The phrase “wa lillahil hamd” (and to Allah belongs all praise) instills a deep sense of gratitude for the guidance of Islam and the ability to perform the sacrifice (Qurbani).
- Forgiveness: Reviving a Sunnah and remembering Allah is a means of erasing sins and gaining immense rewards.
Summary Checklist
- Start: Fajr of the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Arafah).
- End: Asr of the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.
- Total: 23 Prayers.
- Action: Recite the Takbeer aloud (men) or softly (women) once after every Fard prayer.
By performing this simple act, you join millions of Muslims in a timeless tradition that echoes the greatness of the Creator. May your Eid and your worship be accepted!
Onais is an Arabic language specialist who completed his Bachelor’s in Arabic from the International Islamic University, Islamabad, and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree there. Having lived in the UAE for 17 years, he brings strong command of Middle Eastern Arabic dialects and focuses on practical, easy-to-understand Arabic language courses.
