The starting point of all prayers is the recitation of the beautiful statement of “الله اکبر (Allāhu ʾakbar)”. If this short sentence is uttered from one’s heart and soul, a new horizon of spirituality will be opened to the one praying. It will confront us with the eternal greatness of God[1]; leaving no space to pay attention to others and provide us with the conditions needed for a worship full of humility and gratitude[2].
Each person’s real value depends on his position in relation to the Truth (God), and the higher ranks in this hierarchy are achieved by recognising the truths[3]. The peak of these ranks depends on the deep understanding of the point that: even the best descriptions do not match the greatness of the Absolute Truth[4]. But rather God is exalted and beyond all praises from humans[5].
Our prayers begin with this important confession so that we understand; we ought to consider God superior from what we say whilst praying. The purpose of these remembrances is to submit and humble oneself to such Greatness. This is the same objective that the Quran enumerated for other rites. And rightfully the intentions behind fasting[6] and the philosophy of subjugating the sacrifice of Hajj[7] has also been declared as to honour God as gratitude for His guidance.
The statement “Allāhu ʾakbar” (الله اکبر), recited at the beginning of the prayer is called “takbir al-ihram” (تکبیرة الاحرام) as it is a sign of entering a sacred place, which to be protected, behaviours incompatible with the sanctity of such a positions must be avoided. Actions such as turning away from the qibla, talking, eating, drinking, laughing, and any actions which interfere with one’s worship, are prohibited until the end of the prayer.
According to the tradition popular among all Muslims, it is recommended to repeat the “takbir” (الله اکبر) after each act during prayer so that by remembering the greatness of God, we prevent ourselves from neglecting the purpose of worship. It’s also good to raise our hands to the side of our face as we recite each “takbir” to teach ourselves to underestimate and reject worldly attractions.
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Islamic Library: Introduction to Islam
[1] . Quran 45:37:
وَلَهُ الْكِبْرِيَاءُ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ
In the heavens and the earth, the majesty is His, and he is the Honourable, the All-Wise
[2] . Quran 2: 172:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُلُوا مِن طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوا لِلَّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ
O you who have believed, eat of the pure sustenance we have provided you with, and be grateful if you truly worship Him.
[3] . Quran 58: 11:
يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ
Allah will exalt the rank of those of you who believe and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is All-aware of what you do.
[4] . Quran 22: 62:
ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْحَقُّ وَأَنَّ مَا يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِ هُوَ الْبَاطِلُ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْكَبِيرُ
That is because Allah, He is the Truth, and that what they call upon besides Him is falsehood, and certainly Allah He is the High, the Great.
[5] . Quran 37: 159:
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ
Allah is exalted (free) from what they ascribe to Him.
[6] . Quran 2: 185:
فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
Therefore, whoever of you comprehends this month shall fast and whoever is sick or travelling, shall fast a number of other days. Allah desires ease for you and does not desire hardship for you, so as you complete the number of days, exalt Allah for Him having guided you, and that perhaps you might be grateful.
[7] . Quran 22: 37:
لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ كَذَٰلِكَ سَخَّرَهَا لَكُمْ لِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
Never reaches Allah their flesh nor their blood, but it is your piety that reaches Him. Thus, in this way has He made them subservient to you, that you might pronounce the greatness of Allah for what He has guided you to aright; and give good tidings to the good doers.