Number of Eid Prayer Takbeers in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the Two Holy Mosques for 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 the blessed Eid al-Fitr in 2026. Every year, as the sun sets on the last day of Ramadan, a beloved jurisprudential discussion begins among people: How many Takbeers 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're standing behind the Imam in the Grand Mosque, visualizing the Takbeats.

A Difference in Schools of Thought.. and Breadth in Religion

The issue is simple, folks, and it's part of the breadth that God has blessed this nation with. I've contacted more than one source inside the Grand Mosque in Mecca, and they confirmed that it's merely a difference in application between the schools of thought. But what's certain, as you stand praying Eid, is that you'll 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 what's mostly agreed upon, and it's the practice followed in major mosques in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Details of the Four Schools of Thought on Takbeers

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

• 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.
• Maliki School: In their view, there are six additional Takbeers in the first rak'ah and six in the second. However, what's known in their school is that the opening Takbeer and the standing Takbeer are not included in the count. This means the total is twelve additional Takbeers.
• 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.
• Hanbali School: Exactly like the Shafi'i school: six or seven in the first after the opening Takbeer, and five in the second. The matter is very close.

From Inside the Holy Sites: 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 from the noble companions, and it puts the worshiper at ease, allowing them to enter a state of khushu' (reverent focus) from the very first 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 every two Takbeers: "Allahu Akbar kabira, walhamdu lillahi kathira, wa subhanallahi bukratan wa asila" (God is the Greatest, abundantly; all praise is due to God, much praise; and glory be to God morning and evening). This is an established Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH), and it adds beauty and spirituality to the prayer.

A Final Tip Before Eid

Don't worry too much about the difference in the number; all are within 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 during the prayer but rather make it up after the salam. More important than the count is the presence of your heart, and that you go out to 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.