What Is Takbeer Tashreeq and When Is It Recited?
Takbeer Tashreeq is a specific form of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) recited after each obligatory (fard) prayer, starting from Fajr on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafah) and continuing until Asr on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, covering a total of five days.
اَللّٰهُ أَ كْبَرُ، اَللّٰهُ أَ كْبَرُ، لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ، وَاللّٰهُ أَ كْبَرُ، اَللّٰهُ أَ كْبَرُ، وَلِلّٰهِ الْـحَمْدُ
Transliteration:
Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Lā ilāha illa Allāh, wa Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, wa lillāhil-ḥamd.
Translation:
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god except Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.
Who Should Recite It?
- All adult Muslims: men and women, residents and travelers.
- Whether praying in congregation or alone, the Takbeer is to be recited.
- Women may recite it softly.
- Men should recite it aloud, especially in the congregation or a public space.
When to Recite It?
- Recited immediately after the tasleem (saying as-salāmu ʿalaykum) of each fard salah, before speaking or moving.
- It is still valid to say it if slightly delayed, but the best timing is directly after prayer.
- It is not recited after sunnah or nafl prayers—only after obligatory ones.
Is It Obligatory or Sunnah?
- The majority of scholars (Ḥanafī, Mālikī, and Shāfiʿī schools) regard it as Sunnah Mu’akkadah (a highly emphasized Sunnah).
- The Ḥanafī school considers it wājib (obligatory) for those not on pilgrimage.
- Even if one missed some prayers during the Takbeer Tashreeq period, they should say Takbeer after making them up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping Takbeer after Fard prayer during this period.
- Reciting it after sunnah or voluntary prayers.
- Saying it silently when one is supposed to say it aloud (for men).
- Assuming it’s only for those performing Hajj, it’s for everyone.
Wisdom Behind Takbeer Tashreeq
- Reminds Muslims of the greatness and majesty of Allah during days of sacrifice and submission.
- Unites the Ummah in public remembrance of Allah.
- Keeps the spiritual connection with the rituals of Hajj alive even for non-pilgrims.
References
Qur’an:
“And remember Allah during the appointed days…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:203)
Hadith:
Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah used to go out to the marketplace during the ten days of Dhul Hijjah, saying Takbeer out loud, and the people would follow them in doing so.
(al-Bukhārī)
Can Takbeerat al-Tashreeq Be Recited Before the 9th of Dhul Hijjah?
Many Muslims believe that Takbeerat al-Tashreeq can only be recited starting from the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (Day of ‘Arafah). While that is the start of the restricted (muqayyad) Takbeer, which is said after each obligatory prayer, the reality is that the general Takbeer (التكبير المطلق) is permissible and encouraged even earlier, starting from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah.
Two Types of Takbeer Explained
Unrestricted Takbeer (التكبير المطلق – Takbeer al-Mutlaq):
- Can be recited anytime, anywhere — not tied to a specific act like prayer.
- Begins from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah and lasts until sunset on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
- Encouraged in homes, markets, gatherings, streets, etc.
Restricted Takbeer (التكبير المقيّد – Takbeer al-Muqayyad / Tashreeq):
- Begins after Fajr on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah.
- Recited after each obligatory prayer, until Asr on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
- This is the specific Takbeerat al-Tashreeq that scholars refer to in this context.
