Eid Prayer Takbeerat Count in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the Two Holy Mosques 2026

Tonight is the night of connection, after a long period of fasting and night prayers. The Maghrib adhan tonight is 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 for the year 2026. Every year, with the sunset of the last day of Ramadan, a beloved jurisprudential discussion begins among people: How many Takbeers (saying "Allahu Akbar") are there in the Eid prayer? Seven in the first rak'ah and five in the second, or twelve Takbeers? Let's unravel this simple point of discussion from its roots, as if we are standing behind the Imam in the Grand Mosque in Mecca, hearing the Takbeers with our own eyes.

Differences in Schools of Thought.. And Flexibility in Religion

The issue is simple, folks, and it's part of the flexibility that God has bestowed upon this Ummah. What happened is that I communicated with more than one source inside the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque, and they confirmed to me that this is merely a difference in application between the schools of thought. But what is certain, as you stand for the Eid prayer, is that you will say seven Takbeers in the first rak'ah after the opening Takbeer (Takbeerat al-Ihram) and before reciting Al-Fatihah, and five Takbeers in the second rak'ah after the standing Takbeer (Takbeerat al-Qiyam) and before the recitation. This is mostly what is agreed upon, and it is what is practiced in the major mosques in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Detailed View of the Four Schools of Thought on Takbeerat

To satisfy everyone and give each their due, let's see what each school of thought specifically says, especially since Eid is an opportunity to remember Islamic knowledge:

• Hanafi School: The additional Takbeers are three in the first rak'ah (making a total of four including Takbeerat al-Ihram), and three in the second rak'ah (making a total of four including Takbeerat al-Qiyam). This means the total number of additional Takbeers is six Takbeers.
• Maliki School: According to them, the additional Takbeers are six in the first and six in the second. However, what we know is that they do not count Takbeerat al-Ihram and Takbeerat al-Qiyam in the count. This means the total is twelve additional Takbeers.
• Shafi'i School: This is the most famous in the land of the Two Holy Mosques: seven Takbeers in the first rak'ah after al-Ihram, and five in the second rak'ah after Takbeerat al-Qiyam. This is the most widespread in the Arab world.
• Hanbali School: Exactly like the Shafi'i: six or seven in the first after al-Ihram, and five in the second. The views 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 Eid prayer plan for this year 2026 is clear. The Imam will say seven Takbeers in the first rak'ah including Takbeerat al-Ihram, and five Takbeers in the second rak'ah including Takbeerat al-Qiyam. This count is closest to the Prophetic Sunnah reported by the noble companions, and it brings comfort to the worshipper's mind and leads them into a state of khushu' (focus and humility) with the initial Takbeers.

When to Raise Hands During the Takbeers?

An important question many people ask. It is better to raise your hands with each Takbeer, level with your shoulders or earlobes, and say between every two Takbeers: "Allahu Akbar kabira, walhamdu lillahi kathira, wa subhanallahi bukratan wa asila" (Allah is the Greatest, much greater; all praise is due to Allah, much praise; and glorified is Allah 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 in the count; it's all Sunnah. The most important thing is to catch the first Takbeer with the Imam. If someone misses one of the first seven Takbeers, they should not repeat it but rather make it up after the Salam (ending the prayer). More important than the number is the presence of your heart, and that you go out for the Eid prayer knowing that God has decreed reward and forgiveness for you. Eid Mubarak to you all, and may God accept our and your righteous deeds.