Eid Prayer Takbeerat Count 2026: Saudi Arabia, Egypt & The Two Holy Mosques Guide

Tonight’s the night we've all been waiting for. After a long month of fasting and night prayers, the Maghrib call to prayer today feels different. It’s the call that marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2026. Every year, as the sun sets on the last day of Ramadan, that friendly little debate pops up: how many Takbeerat (saying "Allahu Akbar") are there in the Eid prayer? Is it seven in the first rakaat and five in the second, or twelve in total? Let's clear this up once and for all, like we're standing right behind the imam at the Grand Mosque, listening to every single takbeer.

Differences in Schools of Thought.. And the Beauty of Flexibility in Islam

Honestly, this issue is pretty straightforward, guys. It's one of those things that shows the flexibility and mercy in our religion. What happened was, I checked with a few sources inside the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, and they confirmed that it's really just a difference in practice between the various schools of Islamic thought. But what's for sure is, when you're standing there for the Eid prayer, you'll be saying seven takbeers in the first rakaat after the opening takbeer and before the recitation of Al-Fatihah, and five takbeers in the second rakaat after the takbeer for standing up and before the recitation. This is the most commonly agreed upon method, and it's what's practised in major mosques across Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

A Detailed Look at the Four Main Schools of Thought on Takbeerat

To keep everyone happy and give each perspective its due, let's break down what each school of thought specifically says. After all, Eid is a great time to brush up on our religious knowledge:

• Hanafi School: There are three extra takbeers in the first rakaat (making it four including the opening takbeer), and three in the second rakaat (making it four including the takbeer for standing up). So, the total number of extra takbeers is six.
• Maliki School: In this school, there are six extra takbeers in the first rakaat and six in the second. But the key point here is that the opening takbeer and the takbeer for standing up aren't counted in these numbers. So, you're looking at a total of twelve extra takbeers.
• Shafi'i School: This is the most well-known practice in the region of the Two Holy Mosques. It consists of seven takbeers in the first rakaat after the opening takbeer, and five takbeers in the second rakaat after the takbeer for standing up. This is the most widespread method across the Arab world.
• Hanbali School: This is pretty much identical to the Shafi'i school – either six or seven in the first rakaat after the opening takbeer, and five in the second. So, they're very close.

Straight from the Grand Mosque: Here's How It Will Be

From inside 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-cut. The imam will say seven takbeers in the first rakaat (including the opening takbeer), and five takbeers in the second rakaat (including the takbeer for standing up). This count is the closest to the Prophetic tradition as narrated by the revered companions, and it helps put the worshipper at ease, allowing for a more focused and spiritual connection right from the first takbeer.

When Do We Raise Our Hands During the Takbeerat?

This is a key 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" (Allah is the Greatest, much praise be to Allah, and glory be to Allah morning and evening). This is a confirmed practice from the Prophet (PBUH) and it adds a layer of beauty and spirituality to the prayer.

A Final Thought Before Eid

Don't stress too much over the differences in the count. All these methods are rooted in the Sunnah. The most important thing is to catch the first takbeer with the imam. If you miss one of the initial seven, you don't repeat it then and there; you make up for it after the imam says the final salaam. More important than the number is the presence of your heart. Go for the Eid prayer knowing that Allah has inscribed reward and forgiveness for you. Wishing you and your family a blessed and joyful Eid. May Allah accept our good deeds and yours.