Takbirah al-Ihram: Allahu akbar
(part 2)
Takbir in other prayers
In the ‘Id al-Fitr and ‘Id al-Qurban prayers, not only in the prayers but also before and after the prayers, takbir constitutes all the chants.
In the Salah al-Ayat {Prayer for Signs}, we have five ruku‘ and there is takbir for each ruku‘.
In the Salah al-Mayyit {Prayer for the Dead} also, five takbirs essentially constitute a pillar of the prayer.
How we should recite the takbir in prayer
Islam has explained the etiquette for every action. In the recital of ”Allahu akbar” some rules must also be observed such as the following:
1. During the recital of takbir in prayer, we should raise both our hands parallel to our ears in such a manner that once both hands become parallel to the ears, the takbir has already been recited.
Imam ar-Rida (A.S) said: ”The movement of the hands during the recital of takbir is effective in focusing the attention and having complete devotion and sincerity in supplication to God.”
2. The fingers of the hands during takbir should be stretched together upward.
3. The palms of the hands must be facing the qiblah.
The traditions have described the raising of the hands during takbir as the adornment of prayer.
The meaning of takbir
Allahu akbar implies that God is superior to all tangible and intangible, temporal and celestial beings.
Allahu akbar means that God is greater than that which one could describe.
O He who is beyond imagination, analogy, illusion, and fancy! The gathering was finished and our lifespan came to an end. Yet, we are still at the beginning of describing You based on what we have said, heard and read.
Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) says: ”When you are reciting the takbir, everything must be insignificant in your sight except Him.”
That a person would recite the takbir with his tongue while his heart is attached to something else is a lie and a deception, and because of this, God takes the sweetness of remembrance {dhikr} from him.
To be continued ...
Source: alhassanain.com
Other Links:
Conditions of Itikaf (Part 2)
Conditions of Itikaf (Part 3)
Conditions of Itikaf (Part 4)
