29/03/2025
Rules Regarding the "Takbirat" of Eid Prayers:
By Malam Jafar Batijjanei Ibrahim [Kumasi]
I culled these three couplets from a book known as “As-haluul Masaalik Fii Mazhab Imam Malik” after which I tried explaining it
First COUPLET
مكبر ستا سوي الإحرام وستة في التلو لقيام
Translation
"Making six Takbir (Allahu Akbar) apart from (Takbir) ihram and another six ( takbirat) with the inclusion for (Takbir) of standing in the recitation"
EXPLANATION
Lets consider the first part of the couplet: “Making six Takbir (Allahu Akbar) apart from (Takbir) ihram”
Before explaining this couplet, let me, first of all, explain what is meant by “Takbirat Ihram”;It basically means the first “Allahu Akbar” one is supposed to make in every salat including the five daily prayers we do. And this “Allahu Akbar” is done before we starts reciting fatiha, and its a compulsory part of Salat and so anyone who does not brings it, must redo the salat again.
So this couplet means in EID PRAYERS if we do not count the first "Allahu Akbar" then in the first Raka’at of Eid, one will make six Takbirat (Allahu Akbar). But since the first "Allahu Akbar" is Compulsory then you are supposed to do seven (7) Allahu Akbar in the first Raka.
Therefore, its the same as saying in the first Raka’at of Eid one will make seven Takbiirat including the Takbirat Ihram.
NOW LETS CONSIDER the second part of the couplet
“and ( another ) six ( takbirat) with the inclusion of the (Takbir) of standing in the recitation"
The second Rakat of Eid Prayers, in reality, contains five (5) takbiirat but in this couplet the mention of six Takbiirat means that, the sheikh Added the Takbir which one is supposed to do whilst trying to stand for the second RAKAT.
Thus to say, after one finish the second sujud for the first Rakat, we all know that, one is supposed to say, Allahu Akbar whilst standing for the second Rakat’at , so it is this Allahu Akbar He was referring to, and hence why the number of Takbiirat in this couplet was mentioned as six but in reality when we stand straight for the second Rakat, we are supposed to do only five(5) Raka’at
SECOND COUPLET
وكبر المأموم إن نقص صدع وإن يزد إمامه لم يتبع
Translation
“ The follower make Takbir (Allahu Akbar) if reduction is realized, but if the Imam increases his (takbir), he should not be followed”
EXPLANATION
As already explained, the first Raka’at contain 6 Takbir (Allahu Akbar) but when we add the Takbirat Ihram , it then becomes seven..
Also, the second Raka’at contains 5 Takbiirat but when we add the takbir we do before raising up for the second Rakat, it then becomes six.
This couplet means that, assuming the Imam who is leading the Eid Prayers instead of making say 7 Takbiraat including the takbirat Ihraam for the first Rakat, he mistakenly did only say five(5) , so in this case those who are following will have to add two takbiirat to make it 7 as the Imam is reciting the fatiha or the surah.
But at the same vein, in case the Imam instead of him reciting 5 Takbiirat for the second Raka’at, he went on to recite say, 7 Takbiirat..Here also the followers will only have to recite those 5 Takbiirat which is supposed to be done for the second Raka’at and should not follow the Imam in doing that takbiirat he mistakenly added
THIRD COUPLET
" ومدرك الإمام في قرائته كبر ما قد فاته في وقفته
Translation
“ Its imperative for the one who meets the Imam in His recitation ( of fatiha or surah) to make the Takbir that he missed at where he meets him( the imam)”
EXPLANATION
In case you reach the place where the Eid Prayers is Held but the Prayers has already started..what should you do? That is what this couplet is meant to explain to you..
Firstly, Assuming you meet the Imam already started doing the Takbir, then after you make the Niyya for praying Eid, you then join him in the Takbir and be counting, and if say, you had only 4 Takbiraat with him and the Raka’at is the first Rakat which we have already said they are seven together with the Takbirat Ihram..then as he starts reciting the Fatihha, you must add three(3) takbiirat but with lower voice so as not to distract those closer to you , after which you concentrate on the prayers you are doing...
The same way assuming you meet the Imam Already finished doing the Takbiirat and has begun the recitation of Fatiha or the Surah , after you make your Niyya, you MUST, first of all, make the seven Takbiirat(Allahu Akbar) which includes the first Takbir ( Takbirat Ihram) if in case is the first Rakat but in case its the second Raka’at and you meet the Imam already started reciting Fatiha or the Surah, then you must make FIVE TAKBIIR without the Takbirat Ihraam in it and after the Imam do “Salam” thus, “AsalamuAlaikum”, you then have to raised up and make SEVEN Takbiraat which in this case will includes the Takbirat Ihram, before you bring Fatiha and any Surah of the Qur’an you so wished..
Allah Knows best..
