Product Code Database
The takbīr (, , ) is the name for the Arabic phrase (, , ).Wensinck, A.J., "Takbīr", in: Encyclopaedia of Islam, Second Edition, Edited by: P. Bearman, Th. Bianquis, C.E. Bosworth, E. van Donzel, W.P. Heinrichs. Consulted online on 09 September 2023 First published online: 2012
It is a common Arabic expression, used in various contexts by around the world: in formal salah (prayer), in the adhan (Islamic call to prayer), in Hajj, as an informal expression of faith, in times of distress or joy, or to express resolute determination or defiance. The phrase is the official motto of Iran and Iraq. It is also used by Orthodox Arab Christians as an expression of faith. Emma Bennett, What does Allahu Akbar mean?, The Telegraph (UK), 12 June 2016.
The is sometimes translated into English as "God is greater", which is short for "God is greater than all" (الله أَكْبَرُ من كلِّ شيء). It is an example of an Arabic idiom where an incomplete sentence, abbreviated because of its familiarity, is considered grammatically correct.
While there are many short prayers like it, the is used more frequently than any other.
In a historical account by someone who was present both at the birth of the ruler Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr (7th century) and at his funeral, the author observes that was said on both occasions.
It is used to celebrate an election win.
As a multi-purpose phrase, it is sometimes used by Arab football commentators as an expression of amazement, or even as a football chant.
Professor Khaled A. Beydoun, author of The New Crusades: Islamophobia and the Global War on Muslims (2023),
During the Gulf War in January 1991, Saddam Hussein held a meeting with top military commanders, where it was decided to add the words Allāhu akbar (described as the Islamic battle cry) to Iraq's flag to boost his secular regime's religious credentials, casting himself as the leader of an Islamic army. Hussein described the flag as "the banner of jihad and monotheism".
In 2004, the US-picked Iraqi Governing Council approved a new flag for Iraq that abandoned symbols of Hussein's regime, such as the words Allāhu akbar. In January 2008, however, Iraq's parliament passed a law to change the flag by leaving in the phrase, but changing the calligraphy of the words Allāhu akbar, which had been a copy of Hussein's handwriting, to a Kufic script. Abdul-Zahra, Qassim, "Iraqi Lawmakers Vote to Change Flag," USA Today, January 22, 2008, accessed February 9, 2010 The Iraqi flag under Hussein had each of the two words of the phrase written in one of the spaces between the stars on the central band; the flag adopted in 2008 decided to leave the phrase in, removes the stars.
The flag used by the Houthis in Yemen also includes bearing Allāhu akbar in green letters.
In times of joy and gratitude
The can be used to express joy or surprise. It is also used as applause in religious contexts, such as after a Quran recital, as other forms of applause are considered less appropriate.
In battle
Historically, the has been used as a cry of victory during battle.Ludwig W. Adamec, Historical Dictionary of Islam, Scarecrow Press, 2nd ed. 2009, pg. 32 Ibn Ishaq's 8th century Life of Muhammed narrates two occasions when Muhammad proclaimed the
/ref>
Iran
During the Iranian Revolution of 1979, it was shouted from rooftops in Iran during the evenings as a form of protest. The was later adopted as the official motto of Iran.Constitution of Iran, Article 18 This practice returned in the 2009 Iranian presidential election protests, which protested the election results.
Usage by extremists and terrorists
The phrase has been used as a battle cry by Islamic extremists and terrorists. However, this usage has been denounced by other Muslims.
(2023). 9780520356306, Univ of California Press. ISBN 9780520356306 writes that the association of the phrase "Allah Akbar" with terrorism has been exacerbated by mass media and television pundits. He adds that films and shows also utilize it as a cinematic trope further cementing the association.
In politics
In India, Asaduddin Owaisi, president of the AIMIM and Abu Taher Khan, representing TMC, after being elected as members of the Indian Parliament, ended their oath with the slogan of "Allahu Akbar".
Usage by Christians
The phrase (Allah; meaning God in English) is only used by Arab Christians in third person view, and is rarely mentioned during prayers or church service. The Palestinian Christians use Allah in their prayer to refer to the creator of the world, and the takbir as an expression of their faith. The use of takbir has been defended by Theodosios Hanna, the Palestinian Orthodox Archbishop of Sebastia.
Use on flags
Afghanistan
The Afghan constitution that came into force on January 4, 2004, required that Allāhu akbar be inscribed on the flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.McCarthy, Andrew C., "Cold Comfort on Islam and Apostasy; No one who's actually read the Afghan constitution should be surprised by the Abdul Rahman case", National Review, March 27, 2006, accessed February 11, 2010] After the Taliban takeover, the flag of the first emirate was readopted, and thus the takbīr removed from the flag.
Iran
Allāhu akbar is written in stylized form across the bottom of the green stripe and the top of the red stripe of the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted in 1980.
Iraq
The phrase Allāhu akbar is written on the center of the flag of Iraq.
Other uses
A resistance movement that fought British rule in Waziristan, Pakistan, used a red flag bearing Allāhu akbar in white letters.
, used from 2004 to 2021]] resistance movement]]
See also
Sources
External links
|
|
