The Takbir Before Prayer (Takbiratul Ihram)
Every prayer begins with the takbir—the declaration "Allahu Akbar" (الله أكبر) that marks the transition from worldly activity into the state of worship. This opening takbir is called Takbiratul Ihram (تكبيرة الإحرام) or Takbir al-Tahrimah—the takbir that initiates the prayer and prohibits what was previously permissible (eating, drinking, speaking).
The Words
"Allah is the Greatest." (Allahu Akbar)
Meaning When you say "Allahu Akbar," you affirm that Allah is greater than everything else—greater than your work, worries, family, desires, and all worldly concerns. This proclamation sets the tone for the entire prayer: you stand before the Greatest, and nothing else deserves your focus in that moment. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The key to prayer is purification; its tahrim is the takbir; and its tahlil is the taslim." The takbir is what "locks" you into the prayer.
How to Perform Stand facing the Qiblah. Raise your hands to the level of your shoulders or ears, with palms facing the direction of prayer. Say "Allahu Akbar" and then place your right hand over your left hand (men: below the navel; women: on the chest). The hands may be raised before, during, or after saying the takbir—all are valid according to different schools. The important thing is that the takbir is said aloud in the first rakah and silently in subsequent rakah (when praying alone or as a follower).
Full Takbir Before Jamat While waiting for the congregational prayer to begin, many Muslims recite the full takbir (تكبير كامل). This longer form glorifies Allah and prepares the heart for worship:
"Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise is due to Allah."
This may be repeated while waiting for the imam. Some recite it three times or more. It fills the time before the iqamah with dhikr and keeps the heart focused on Allah.
The Iqama (Second Call—Prayer Has Begun) The iqama (إِقَامَة) is the shortened call recited just before the congregational prayer begins. It is similar to the adhan but recited once (or in a faster, condensed form), with "Qad qamatis salah" (قد قامت الصلاة—"Prayer has begun") added twice after "Come to success." When you hear the iqama, stand and prepare for the opening takbir.
"Allah is the Greatest" (2 times) "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah" (1 time) "I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah" (1 time) "Come to prayer" (1 time) "Come to success" (1 time) "Prayer has begun, Prayer has begun" (2 times) "Allah is the Greatest" (2 times) "There is no god but Allah" (1 time)
After the iqama, the imam and congregation perform Takbiratul Ihram and begin the prayer. There is no separate dua to recite after the iqama like after the adhan—the worshipper simply stands, faces the Qiblah, and waits for (or gives) the opening takbir.
Takbirs During Prayer "Allahu Akbar" is also said when moving between positions: when going into ruku (bowing), when rising from ruku, when going into sujood (prostration), when rising from sujood, and when standing for the next rakah. Each takbir helps refocus the heart and reminds the worshipper that every movement is for Allah.
Spiritual Significance The takbir is a declaration of Allah's greatness and our submission. It silences the world and opens the door to communion with the Creator. If the mind wanders during prayer, the takbirs at each transition are opportunities to return the heart to Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would raise his hands with the takbir at the start of every prayer—a practice that connects Muslims across time and place in the same act of devotion.