Eid Prayer Takbeer Counts for 2026: Saudi Arabia, Egypt & the Two Holy Mosques

Tonight's the night – the night of connection. After a long month of fasting and night prayers, tonight's Maghrib (sunset) call to prayer feels different. It's the adhan that announces 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 friendly theological debate kicks off: How many takbeers (saying "Allahu Akbar") are there in the Eid prayer? Seven in the first rak'ah (unit of prayer) and five in the second? Or is it twelve? Let's clear this up from the roots, as if we're standing right behind the Imam in the Grand Mosque in Mecca, hearing those takbeers.

A Difference of Opinion Between Schools... and the Flexibility in Our Religion

Honestly, it's a simple matter, folks, and it's part of the flexibility God has blessed this Ummah (community) with. I've been in touch with multiple sources inside the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, and they've confirmed it's really just a difference in practice between the different schools of thought (madhhabs). But here's the sure thing: as you stand for Eid prayer, you'll generally 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 and before the recitation. This is the most commonly agreed-upon practice, and it's what's followed in the major mosques in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

A Detailed Look at the Four Main Schools of Thought

To make sure everyone's on the same page and we give each perspective its due, let's see exactly what each major school says – especially since Eid is a great time to reflect on Islamic knowledge:

• The Hanafi School: They have three extra takbeers in the first rak'ah (making a total of four with the opening takbeer), and three extra in the second rak'ah (making a total of four with the takbeer for standing up). So, the total number of extra takbeers is six.
• The Maliki School: In this school, there are six extra takbeers in the first rak'ah and six in the second. A key point here is that the opening takbeer and the takbeer for standing up are not counted in these numbers. So the total is twelve extra takbeers.
• The Shafi'i School: This is the most famous practice in the region of the Two Holy Mosques. It consists of seven takbeers 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 across the Arab world.
• The Hanbali School: This is very similar to the Shafi'i school: either six or seven in the first after the opening takbeer, and five in the second. They're quite close.

Straight from the Haram: How Eid Prayer Will Be Performed

From inside the offices of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, an official has confirmed that the plan for this year's Eid prayer in 2026 is clear. The Imam will say seven takbeers in the first rak'ah, including the opening takbeer, and five takbeers in the second rak'ah, including the takbeer for standing up. This count is the closest to the prophetic tradition (Sunnah) as reported by the noble companions, and it helps put the worshipper at ease, allowing for a state of khushu' (mindful devotion) right from the first takbeers.

When Do You Raise Your Hands During the Takbeers?

This is an important question many people ask. It's recommended to raise your hands with each takbeer, level with your shoulders or earlobes. In the brief pause between takbeers, you can say, "Allahu Akbar kabira, walhamdu lillahi kathira, wa subhanallahi bukratan wa asila" (God is the Greatest, abundantly great, and all praise is due to God, much praise, and glory be to God morning and evening). This is an established practice (Sunnah) from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and adds a layer of beauty and spirituality to the prayer.

A Final Thought Before Eid

Don't stress too much about the differences in the count – it's all part of the Sunnah. The most important thing is to catch the first takbeer with the Imam. If you miss one of the first seven, you don't repeat it then and there but rather make it up after the Imam says the tasleem (concluding salutation). More important than the number is the presence of your heart – to go out for Eid prayer knowing that God has written reward and forgiveness for you. Eid Mubarak to you all, and may God accept our good deeds.