Eid Prayer Takbeers 2026: Count in Saudi Arabia, Egypt & the Two Holy Mosques
Tonight is the night of connection. After a long month of fasting and night prayers, the Maghrib call to prayer this evening feels different. It's the adhan that announces the end of the month of the Quran and the beginning of the first day of the blessed Eid al-Fitr in 2026. Every year, as the sun sets on the last day of Ramadan, a cherished, light-hearted scholarly discussion begins: How many takbeers are there in the Eid prayer? Seven in the first rak'ah and five in the second, or twelve? Let's unravel this simple point of discussion from its roots, as if we're standing behind the Imam in the Grand Mosque, visualizing the takbeers.
Differences in Schools of Thought.. and Ease in Religion
The matter is simple, folks, and it's part of the ease that God has bestowed upon this nation. What happened is that I got in touch with more than one source inside the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, and they confirmed that it's simply a difference in practice between the schools of thought. But what's certain, as you stand to pray Eid, is that you'll say seven takbeers in the first rak'ah after the opening takbeer (Takbirat al-Ihram) and before reciting Al-Fatihah, and five takbeers in the second rak'ah after the standing takbeer (Takbirat al-Qiyam) and before the recitation. This is what is mostly agreed upon, and it's what is practiced in the major mosques in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Detailed View of the Four Schools on Takbeers
To satisfy everyone and give each their due, let's see exactly what each school says, especially since Eid is a great opportunity to remember Islamic knowledge:
- The Hanafi School: There are three additional takbeers 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 standing takbeer). This means the total number of additional takbeers is six.
- The Maliki School: In their view, there are six additional takbeers in the first rak'ah and six in the second, but the common understanding is that the opening takbeer and the standing takbeer are not included in this count. So the total is twelve additional takbeers.
- The Shafi'i School: This is the most famous practice in the land of the Two Holy Mosques: seven takbeers in the first rak'ah after the opening one, and five in the second rak'ah after the standing takbeer. This is the most widespread method 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 views are very close.
From Inside the Holy Mosques: 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 Eid prayer plan for this year 2026 is clear. The Imam will say seven takbeers in the first rak'ah including the opening one, and five takbeers in the second rak'ah including the standing one. This count is closest to the Prophetic Sunnah reported by the noble Companions, and it's what puts the worshipper at ease and allows them to enter a state of khushu' (devout focus) with the initial takbeers.
When to Raise Your Hands During the Takbeers?
An important question many people ask. It's best to raise your hands with each takbeer, level with your shoulders or earlobes, and say between takbeers: "Allahu Akbar Kabira, walhamdu Lillahi Kathira, wa Subhanallahi bukratan wa asila" (Allah is the Greatest, much praise be to Allah, and glory be to Allah morning and evening). This is an established practice (Sunnah) from 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 differing opinions on the number; they are all based on Sunnah. The most important thing is to catch the first takbeer with the Imam. If you miss one of the first seven takbeers, you don't repeat it but rather make it up after the prayer is finished. More important than the count is the presence of your heart, and to go out for the Eid prayer knowing that God has decreed for you reward and forgiveness. Eid Mubarak to you all, and may God accept our good deeds and yours.