Hadith Text & Reference

"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say the takbir every time he got up, went down, stood and sat. Abu Bakr, 'Umar, and 'Uthman (did likewise)."

Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1149 | Book: The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)

Meaning of the Takbir

The "takbir" refers to saying "Allahu Akbar" (الله أكبر), meaning "Allah is the Greatest." This is a fundamental remembrance (dhikr) that signifies the magnification of Allah and the belittlement of all else before Him, especially in acts of worship.

Commentary on the Actions

The Prophet's practice, meticulously followed by the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, was to pronounce the takbir with every postural change during the prayer (salah). This includes: rising from the initial takbirat al-ihram to stand, bowing (ruku'), rising from bowing, prostrating (sujood), and sitting between the two prostrations.

This continuous dhikr maintains the spiritual connection with Allah throughout the physical movements of prayer, ensuring that the worshipper's heart remains engaged and aware of the Divine Presence, transforming the entire prayer into a single, cohesive act of devotion.

Legal Ruling & Significance

This hadith establishes that these takbirat are a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah Mu'akkadah) of the prayer. While not strictly obligatory (wajib), their consistent performance by the Prophet and his immediate successors gives them immense weight. Omitting them without a valid reason is a shortcoming in the prayer's perfection.

The mention of Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (may Allah be pleased with them) underscores the continuity of this practice in the early Muslim community and its status as an integral part of the Prophetic tradition, making it a unifying factor in the Ummah's worship.

Spiritual Wisdom

Each takbir marks a transition, reminding the believer that every movement in life and worship should be initiated with the glorification of Allah. It instills humility, reinforces Tawhid (the Oneness of God), and acts as a spiritual barrier against distraction (waswas) by constantly redirecting the heart and tongue to Allah.