Number of Eid Prayers Takbeerat in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the Two Holy Mosques 2026
Tonight is the night of connection. After a long month of fasting and night prayers, tonight's Maghrib call to prayer is different; it's an announcement marking the end of the month of the Quran and the beginning of the first day of Eid al-Fitr in 2026. Every year, as the sun sets on the last day of Ramadan, a beloved scholarly discussion begins among people: how many Takbeerat are there in the Eid prayer? Seven in the first Rak'ah and five in the second, or twelve Takbeerat? Let's unravel this simple point of discussion from its roots, as if we're standing behind the Imam in the Grand Mosque in Mecca, hearing the Takbeerat with our own eyes.
Differences in Schools of Thought.. and Broadness in the Faith
The issue is quite simple, really, and it's part of the broadness that God has bestowed upon this Ummah. I contacted more than one source within the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque, and they confirmed that this is essentially just a difference in practice between the schools of thought. What is certain, as you stand for the Eid prayer, is that you'll say seven Takbeerat in the first Rak'ah after the Opening Takbeer and before reciting Al-Fatiha, and five Takbeerat in the second Rak'ah after the Takbeer for standing up and before the recitation. This is the most agreed-upon practice, and it's what is followed in the major mosques in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Breakdown of the Four Schools of Thought on the Takbeerat
To satisfy everyone and give each their due, let's see exactly what each school of thought says, especially since Eid is a great opportunity to reflect on religious knowledge:
- The Hanafi School: There are three additional Takbeerat in the first Rak'ah (making a total of four with the Opening Takbeer), and three in the second Rak'ah (making a total of four with the Takbeer for standing up). This means the total number of additional Takbeerat is six.
- The Maliki School: They have six additional Takbeerat in the first Rak'ah and six in the second. However, what's known is that they do not count the Opening Takbeer or the Takbeer for standing up. So the total is twelve additional Takbeerat.
- The Shafi'i School: This is the most famous practice in the land of the Two Holy Mosques: seven Takbeerat in the first Rak'ah after the Opening Takbeer, and five in the second Rak'ah after the Takbeer for standing up. This is the most widespread practice in the Arab world.
- The Hanbali School: Exactly like the Shafi'i: six or seven in the first after the Opening Takbeer, and five in the second. The practices are very close.
From Inside the Haram: This is How Eid Will Be
From within the corridors of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, an official confirmed to me that the plan for the Eid prayer this year 2026 is clear. The Imam will say seven Takbeerat in the first Rak'ah including the Opening Takbeer, and five Takbeerat in the second Rak'ah including the Takbeer for standing up. This count is the closest to the Prophetic practice reported by the noble Companions, and it puts the worshipper at ease, allowing for a state of khushu' (focus) from the very first Takbeerat.
When to Raise the Hands During the Takbeer?
An important question many people ask. It is best to raise your hands with each Takbeer, level with your shoulders or earlobes, and say between each two Takbeerat: "Allahu akbar kabira, walhamdu lillahi kathira, wa subhanallahi bukratan wa asila" (God is Most Great, abundantly; praise be to God, much; and glory be to God, morning and evening). This is an established Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, and it adds beauty and spirituality to the prayer.
A Final Piece of Advice Before Eid
Don't worry too much about the difference of opinion regarding the number; it's all Sunnah. The most important thing is to catch the first Takbeer with the Imam. If you miss one of the first seven Takbeerat, you don't repeat it then and there but make it up after the Tasleem (salutation of peace). More important than the number is the presence of your heart, and that you go out for the Eid prayer knowing that God has written reward and forgiveness for you. Eid Mubarak to you all, and may God accept righteous deeds from us and from you.