Takbīr in Islamic culture

7. When the Holy Prophet (ṣ) was born, the first sentence he was able to utter was “Mubārakahu Allāhu akbar” [Blessed is He; Allah is greater].[1]

8. When Mecca fell into the hands of the Muslims, the Prophet (ṣ) entered the Masjid al-Ḥarām, pointed to the Ḥajar al-Aswad [Black Stone], and recited the takbīr. The Muslims also recited the same takbīr which brought fear into the hearts of the polytheists.[2]

9. We read in the traditions: “Whenever a certain thing astonishes you, recite the takbīr.”[3]

10. During the Battle of Uḥud, one of the leading warriors amog the infidels asked for a challenger. Hadrat ‘Alī (‘a) came forward and he dealt the enemy such a heavy blow that the Prophet (ṣ) and the Muslims recited the takbīr with a loud voice.[4]

11. The Holy Prophet (ṣ) said to Hadrat ‘Alī (‘a): “Whenever you look at the crescent [hilāl] or the mirror, or you encounter a problem, say takbīr three times.”[5]

12. “Allāhu akbar” was the slogan of Zayd, son of Imām as-Sajjād (‘a), who revolted against the ‘Umayyad rule.[6]

13. During the Battle of Badr, the Prophet (ṣ) was awaiting the news of the death of Nawfal, one of the enemy chiefs. When he (ṣ) was informed that Hadrat ‘Alī (‘a) had slain Nawfal, the Prophet (ṣ) recited the takbīr.[7]

14. When Hadrat ‘Alī (‘a) came to propose for Hadrat Zahrā (‘a), the Prophet (ṣ) said: “You wait. I have to refer the matter to my daughter Fātimah. But when she was consulted, Hadrat Zahrā (‘a) remained silent and did not say anything. The Prophet said: “.اقرارها سكوتها اكبر، الله” “Allāhu akbar! Sukūtuhā iqrāruhā” [Allah is greater! Her silence is her approval].[8]

15. During the battle against the Khawārij (Kharijites), when their commander perished, Hadrat ‘Alī (‘a) recited takbīr and performed prostration, and all the people recited takbīr.[9]

16. A group of Jews embraced Islam and they said to the Prophet (ṣ): “The previous prophets had successors. Who is the executor of your will [waṣī]?” At this juncture, the following Verse of Guardianship [āyah al-wilāyah] was revealed:

الّذينَ آمَنُوا الّذينَ وَ رَسُولُهُ وَ اللهُ وَلِيُّكُمُ اِنَّما ﴿

﴾ راكِعُونَ هُمْ وَ الزَّكوةَ يُؤْتُونَ وَ الصَّلَوةَ يُقِيمُونَ

“Your guardian is only Allah, His Apostle, and the faithful who maintain the prayer and give the zakāt while bowing down.”[10]