Takbir#In Politics and warfare

File:Allahoakbar Vectorized.svg]]

File:Takbir in Thuluth.svg

File:Takbir in naskh.svg

The Arabic word {{lang|ar|كَبِير}} ({{transliteration|ar|DIN|kabīr}}) means big from the Semitic root {{transliteration|ar|DIN|k-b-r}}. A cognate word for this root exists in Hebrew as {{lang|he|כביר}} ({{Transliteration|he|kabir}}). The Arabic word {{lang|ar|أَكْبَر}} (:wikt:أَكْبَر) is the elative form ("bigger, biggest") of the adjective {{Transliteration|ar|kabīr}} ("big"). When used in the {{transliteration|ar|DIN|takbīr}} it is usually translated as "biggest", but some authors translate it as "bigger".E. W. Lane, Arabic English Lexicon, 1893, gives for kabir: "bigger, and biggest, in body, or corporeal substance, and in estimation or rank or dignity, and more, or most, advanced in age, older, and oldest" [https://archive.org/stream/ArabicEnglishLexicon.CopiousEasternSources.EnlargedSuppl.Kamoos.Lane.Poole.1863/07.ArabicEnglLex.v1p7.let.21.22.23.24.Qaf.Kaf.Lam.Mim..Lane-Poole.1885.#page/n113/mode/2up (p. 2587)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007201240/https://archive.org/stream/ArabicEnglishLexicon.CopiousEasternSources.EnlargedSuppl.Kamoos.Lane.Poole.1863/07.ArabicEnglLex.v1p7.let.21.22.23.24.Qaf.Kaf.Lam.Mim..Lane-Poole.1885.#page/n113/mode/2up |date=October 7, 2016 }}.{{cite book|title=A Practical Arabic Grammar|page=66|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ex4UAAAAYAAJ&q=comparative&pg=PA69 |year=1887 |author=A.O.Green|publisher=Clarendon Press}}"The formula, as the briefest expression of the absolute superiority of the One God, is used in Muslim life in different circumstances, in which the idea of God, His greatness and goodness is suggested." Wensinck, A. J. The Encyclopaedia of Islam, 2nd edition. Brill, 2000. Volume 10, T-U, p. 119, Takbir. The term {{transliteration|ar|DIN|takbīr}} itself is the stem II verbal noun of the root {{Transliteration|ar|DIN|k-b-r}}, meaning "big", from which akbar "bigger" is derived. The form {{transliteration|ar|DIN|Allāhu}} is a nominative of Allah, meaning "God".Böwering, Gerhard, God and His Attributes, Encyclopaedia of the Qurʼān, Brill, 2007.Macdonald, D. B. The Encyclopaedia of Islam, 2nd edition. Brill, 1971. Volume 3, H-Iram, p. 1093, Ilah.

The {{transliteration|ar|DIN|takbīr}} is sometimes translated into English as "God is greater", which is short for "God is greater than all" ({{Lang|ar|الله أَكْبَرُ من كلِّ شيء}}). It is an example of an Arabic idiom where an incomplete sentence, abbreviated because of its familiarity, is considered grammatically correct.{{Cite web |last=إسماعيل عتوك |first=محمد |date=December 2019 |title=لماذا لا نقول في الأذان : ( الله الأكبر ) مع أل التعريف، بدلاً من ( الله أكبر ) ؟ |url=https://quran-m.com/لماذا-لا-نقول-في-الأذان-الله-الأكبر-مع/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611031350/https://quran-m.com/لماذا-لا-نقول-في-الأذان-الله-الأكبر-مع/ |archive-date=2023-06-11}}

File:Takbir of prayer.jpg

File:Sancaklar Camii Minaresi.jpg]]

This phrase is recited by Muslims in many different situations.

The phrase is said during each stage of both salah (obligatory prayers, performed five times a day), and nafl (supererogatory prayers, performed at will). The call to prayer by the muezzin to those outside the mosque (adhan) and the call to those inside to line up for the commencement of prayer (iqama) also contain the phrase.

While there are many short prayers like it, the {{transliteration|ar|DIN|takbīr}} is used more frequently than any other.{{cite web|title=What I learned from Muslims about God|url=https://www.americamagazine.org/issue/called-prayer|author=Patrick J. Ryan, S.J.|date=29 October 2015|publisher=America|access-date=8 January 2025|archive-date=7 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207125630/https://www.americamagazine.org/issue/called-prayer|url-status=live}}

The phrase is used after the birth of a child as a means of praising God.{{cite web |url=http://www.jerrahi.org/library/articles/birth_school|title=On Birth & School|access-date=4 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827111517/http://www.jerrahi.org/library/articles/birth_school|archive-date=27 August 2013}} It is also part of Islamic funeral and burial customs.{{cite book|last1=el-Hibri|first1=Tayeb|title=Parable and Politics in Early Islamic History: The Rashidun Caliphs|date=19 October 2010|publisher=Columbia University Press|isbn=9780231521659|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ouwL4dGrTN8C&pg=PA362}}

During the festival of Eid al-Adha and the days preceding it, Muslims recite the {{transliteration|ar|DIN|takbīr}}. This is particularly the case on the Day of Arafah.{{cite web|last=Rabbani|first=Faraz|title=The Day of 'Arafah: The 9th of Dhu'l Hijjah |url=http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=1&ID=763&CATE=3|publisher=Qibla.com|access-date=4 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015192812/http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=1&ID=763&CATE=3|archive-date=15 October 2013}}

In the process of pronouncing the name of God while performing Dhabihah one must say {{Transliteration|ar|Bismillah Allahu Akbar}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.ushalalcertification.com/terminology.html|title=Arabic Definitions|publisher=USA Halal Chamber of Commerce, Inc.|access-date=5 August 2020|archive-date=19 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719162845/https://www.ushalalcertification.com/terminology.html|url-status=live}}

File:God is the Greatest-Arabic-Desouk.jpg, Egypt]]

File:Imam Ali Shrine - 1994.jpg architecture (center of the Iwan), 1994]]

File:Roads_in_iran.jpg

The expression {{transliteration|ar|DIN|Allāhu ʾakbar}} can be used in a variety of situations, from celebrations to times of grief.

In a historical account by someone who was present both at the birth of the ruler Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr (7th century) and at his funeral, the author observes that {{transliteration|ar|DIN|Allāhu ʾakbar}} was said on both occasions.

The {{transliteration|ar|DIN|takbīr}} can be used to express joy or surprise. It is also used as applause in religious contexts, such as after a Quran recital, as other forms of applause are considered less appropriate.{{cite web|title=Allahu akbar: What is the Takbir?|date=25 August 2017|url=https://www.theweek.co.uk/88011/allahu-akbar-what-is-the-takbir|publisher=The Week|access-date=8 January 2025|archive-date=19 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719163313/https://www.theweek.co.uk/88011/allahu-akbar-what-is-the-takbir|url-status=live}}

It is used to celebrate an election win.{{cite web | url=https://www.news18.com/world/mothin-ali-british-councillor-green-party-who-shouted-allahu-akbar-after-being-elected-in-local-polls-8878969.html | title=Who is Mothin Ali? British Councillor Who Shouted 'Allahu Akbar' After Being Elected in Local Polls | date=6 May 2024 | access-date=16 May 2024 | archive-date=16 May 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516093405/https://www.news18.com/world/mothin-ali-british-councillor-green-party-who-shouted-allahu-akbar-after-being-elected-in-local-polls-8878969.html | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/05/18/copy-of-most-voters-think-allahu-akbar-inappropriate-politicians/ | title=Most voters think shouting 'Allahu Akbar' is inappropriate for politicians | newspaper=The Telegraph | date=18 May 2024 | last1=Hazell | first1=Will }}

As a multi-purpose phrase, it is sometimes used by Arab football commentators as an expression of amazement, or even as a football chant.

Historically, the {{transliteration|ar|DIN|takbīr}} has been used as a cry of victory during battle.Ludwig W. Adamec, Historical Dictionary of Islam, Scarecrow Press, 2nd ed. 2009, pg. 32 Ibn Ishaq's 8th century Life of Muhammed narrates two occasions when Muhammad proclaimed the {{transliteration|ar|DIN|takbīr}} during battle.Life of Mohammed [سيرة رسول الله] by Ibn Ishaq, translated by Alfred Guillaume, Oxford University Press, 1955, 17th printing, Karachi, 2004 https://archive.org/details/TheLifeOfMohammedGuillaume

During the Iranian Revolution of 1979, it was shouted from rooftops in Iran during the evenings as a form of protest. The {{transliteration|ar|DIN|takbīr}} was later adopted as the official motto of Iran.Constitution of Iran, Article 18 This practice returned in the 2009 Iranian presidential election protests,{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090614/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iran_election |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090617072238/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090614/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iran_election|url-status=dead |title=Yahoo News|archivedate=June 17, 2009}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WU-cxEEJ-E | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211110/9WU-cxEEJ-E| archive-date=2021-11-10 | url-status=live|title=YouTube |publisher=YouTube |date=June 9, 2009 |access-date=May 8, 2011}}{{cbignore}} which protested the election results.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8386335.stm|title=How Iran's opposition inverts old slogans|date=December 7, 2009|work=BBC News|access-date=December 21, 2009|archive-date=January 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102053922/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8386335.stm|url-status=live}}

{{See also|Islamic terrorism}}

The phrase has been used as a battle cry by Islamic extremists and terrorists.{{cite book |chapter='We Have Some Planes' |url=http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report_Ch1.htm |year=2004 |title=9/11 Commission Report |publisher=National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States |access-date=May 30, 2008 |archive-date=May 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514052417/http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report_Ch1.htm |url-status=live }} However, this usage has been denounced by other Muslims.{{cite news|title=What 'Allahu Akbar' really means|url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/11/01/opinions/allahu-akbar-meaning/index.html|author=Omar Suleiman|publisher=CNN|archive-date=2020-07-27|access-date=2020-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727141624/https://www.cnn.com/2017/11/01/opinions/allahu-akbar-meaning/index.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Nagourney |first=Eric |date=2017-11-02 |title='Allahu Akbar': An Everyday Phrase, Tarnished by Attacks |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/02/world/americas/allahu-akbar-terrorism.html |access-date=2023-01-10 |archive-date=2021-11-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112122355/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/02/world/americas/allahu-akbar-terrorism.html |url-status=live }}

Professor Khaled A. Beydoun, author of The New Crusades: Islamophobia and the Global War on Muslims (2023),{{cite book | isbn=978-0520356306 | title=The New Crusades: Islamophobia and the Global War on Muslims | last1=Beydoun | first1=Khaled A. | date=21 March 2023 | publisher=Univ of California Press }} writes that the association of the phrase "Allah Akbar" with terrorism has been exacerbated by mass media and television pundits. He adds that films and shows also utilize it as a cinematic trope further cementing the association.{{cite news|title=The perils of saying 'Allahu Akbar' in public|author=Khaled Beydoun|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/global-opinions/wp/2018/08/25/the-perils-of-saying-allahu-akbar-in-public/|newspaper=Washington Post|archive-date=2020-12-04|access-date=2020-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204174705/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/global-opinions/wp/2018/08/25/the-perils-of-saying-allahu-akbar-in-public/|url-status=live}}

In India, Asaduddin Owaisi, president of the AIMIM and Abu Taher Khan, representing TMC, after being elected as members of the Indian Parliament, ended their oath with the slogan of "Allahu Akbar".{{Cite web |date=18 June 2019 |title='Jai Shri Ram', 'Allahu Akbar': Religious slogans mark swearing in ceremony of 17th LS |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/nation/-jai-shri-ram-allahu-akbar-religious-slogans-mark-swearing-in-ceremony-of-17th-ls-789685 |website=Tribune India |access-date=18 April 2023 |archive-date=20 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720000112/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/nation/-jai-shri-ram-allahu-akbar-religious-slogans-mark-swearing-in-ceremony-of-17th-ls-789685 |url-status=live }}

The phrase (Allah; meaning God in English) is only used by Arab Christians in third person view, and is rarely mentioned during prayers or church service.{{citation needed | reason = also clarify denomination and nationality, this is likely a different sect to Palestinian? |date=April 2025}} The Palestinian Christians use Allah in their prayer to refer to the creator of the world, and the takbir as an expression of their faith. The use of takbir has been defended by Theodosios Hanna, the Palestinian Orthodox Archbishop of Sebastia.{{Cite web |last=Tiessen |first=Terrance |title=We Palestinian Christians say Allahu Akbar |url=https://www.thoughtstheological.com/we-palestinian-christians-say-allahu-akbar/ |access-date=2021-02-20 |website=Thoughts Theological |language=en-US}}

The Afghan constitution that came into force on January 4, 2004, required that Allāhu akbar be inscribed on the flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.McCarthy, Andrew C., "Cold Comfort on Islam and Apostasy; No one who's actually read the Afghan constitution should be surprised by the Abdul Rahman case", National Review, March 27, 2006, accessed February 11, 2010] After the 2021 Taliban offensive, the flag of the first emirate was readopted, and thus the takbīr removed from the flag.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-31 |title=Taliban hoist giant flag in Afghan capital, eight months after return |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220331-taliban-hoist-giant-flag-in-afghan-capital-eight-months-after-return |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=2022-04-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402112722/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220331-taliban-hoist-giant-flag-in-afghan-capital-eight-months-after-return |url-status=live }}

Allāhu akbar is written in stylized form across the bottom of the green stripe and the top of the red stripe of the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted in 1980.{{cite web |last=McKeever |first=Amy| url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/iran-flag-symbolism-history-meaning-controversy | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129160617/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/iran-flag-symbolism-history-meaning-controversy | url-status=dead | archive-date=November 29, 2022 |title=Why Iran's flag is at the center of controversy at the World Cup |date=November 29, 2022 |work= National Geographic|accessdate=10 October 2023}}

The phrase Allāhu akbar is written on the center of the flag of Iraq.

During the Gulf War in January 1991, Saddam Hussein held a meeting with top military commanders, where it was decided to add the words Allāhu akbar (described as the Islamic battle cry){{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=37gTAAAAIBAJ&pg=5117,3700016&dq=flag+iraq+islamist+allahu-akbar&hl=en |title=New Straits Times |date=January 15, 1991 |access-date=May 8, 2011 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} to Iraq's flag to boost his secular regime's religious credentials, casting himself as the leader of an Islamic army.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2004-04-26-iraq-flag_x.htm|title=U.S.-picked Iraq leaders approve new flag|date=April 26, 2004 |work=USA Today|access-date=February 9, 2010}}{{cite web |author=Deroy Murdock |url=http://article.nationalreview.com/268429/the-911-connection/deroy-murdock |title=Murdock, Deroy, "The 9/11 Connection," April 3, 2003 |work=The National Review |access-date=May 8, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617021913/http://article.nationalreview.com/268429/the-911-connection/deroy-murdock |archive-date=June 17, 2010 }} Hussein described the flag as "the banner of jihad and monotheism".{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0OkasRnU4K0C&q=flag+%22allahu+akbar%22&pg=PA138 |title=Saddam's war of words: politics, religion, and the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait |access-date=February 19, 2014 |isbn=978-0-292-70264-6 |last1=Long |first1=Jerry M. |date=April 2004 |publisher=University of Texas Press }}

In 2004, the US-picked Iraqi Governing Council approved a new flag for Iraq that abandoned symbols of Hussein's regime, such as the words Allāhu akbar.{{cite web|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/FE26Ak05.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040528171025/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/FE26Ak05.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 28, 2004 |last=Rosen |first=Nir |title=Iraq's religious tide cannot be turned back |work=Asia Times |date=May 26, 2004 |access-date=May 8, 2011}} In January 2008, however, Iraq's parliament passed a law to change the flag by leaving in the phrase, but changing the calligraphy of the words Allāhu akbar, which had been a copy of Hussein's handwriting, to a Kufic script.[http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Jan22/0,4670,IraqFlagDispute,00.html Abdul-Zahra, Qassim, "Iraqi Lawmakers Vote to Change Flag,"] USA Today, January 22, 2008, accessed February 9, 2010 {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305202752/http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Jan22/0%2C4670%2CIraqFlagDispute%2C00.html |date=March 5, 2016 }}{{cite news|last=Abdul |first=Qassim |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/topstories/2008-02-05-1386576333_x.htm |title=Abdul-Zahra, Qassim, "Iraq unveils flag without Saddam's stars" |work=USA Today|date=February 5, 2008 |access-date=May 8, 2011}} The Iraqi flag under Hussein had each of the two words of the phrase written in one of the spaces between the stars on the central band; the flag adopted in 2008 decided to leave the phrase in, removes the stars.

A resistance movement that fought British rule in Waziristan, Pakistan, used a red flag bearing Allāhu akbar in white letters.{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/premium/0286/0286-9628676.html |title=Analysis: A ride on the wild side |publisher=UPI |date=September 19, 2005 |access-date=May 8, 2011}}

The flag used by the Houthis in Yemen also includes bearing Allāhu akbar in green letters.{{Cite web |last=Riedel |first=Bruce |date=2017-12-18 |title=Who are the Houthis, and why are we at war with them? |url=https://www.brookings.edu/blog/markaz/2017/12/18/who-are-the-houthis-and-why-are-we-at-war-with-them/ |access-date=2023-03-29 |website=Brookings |language=en-US |archive-date=2018-06-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163411/https://www.brookings.edu/blog/markaz/2017/12/18/who-are-the-houthis-and-why-are-we-at-war-with-them/ |url-status=live }}

File:Flag of Iraq.svg|Flag of Iraq, with stylized Kufic script, introduced in 2008

File:Flag of Iran.svg|Flag of Iran, introduced in 1980

File:Flag of Afghanistan (2013–2021).svg|Former flag of Afghanistan, with the phrase beneath the Shahada, used from 2004 to 2021

File:Flag of Waziristan resistance (1930s).svg|Flag of 1930s Waziristan (Pakistan) resistance movement

• Dhikr
• Tasbih
• Tahmid
• Tahlil
• Tasmiyah
• Salawat
• Shahada
• Hallelujah
• Hallel
• Alláh-u-Abhá
• Deo optimo maximo

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book|year=1995|author= Rohi Baalbaki|title=Al-Mawrid|edition=7th |location=Beirut |publisher=Dar El-Ilm Lilmalayin|isbn=9953-9023-1-3}}
• {{cite book|year=1870|author=F. Steingass Ph.D., University of Munich|title=Persian-English Dictionary, Including the Arabic words and phrases to be met with in literature |location=Beirut |publisher=Librairie Du Liban}}

{{commons category}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110917001300/http://www.slate.com/id/2149455/ Essay on the takbir] at Slate
• {{cite web | last=Team | first=Bridge Initiative | title=Allahu Akbar - Factsheet: Islam, Muslims, Islamophobia | website=Bridge Initiative | date=12 September 2017 | url=https://bridge.georgetown.edu/research/factsheet-allahu-akbar/ | access-date=2 Nov 2021}}

{{Islamic prayer}}

{{Characters and names in the Quran}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Islamic terminology

Category:Superlatives in religion

Category:Religious formulas

Category:Dhikr