Du'a for kids · Out and about

The Eid takbir

The Eid takbir is “Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillahil-hamd” — saying Allah is the Greatest and thanking Him. Families say it on the way to the Eid prayer and while waiting for it to begin.

Ages 2–8AudioFree card

Teacher review under way.

اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ

Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillahil-hamd

“Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise is for Allah.”

Good to know: This is the wording reported from the Companion Ibn Mas'ud. It varies between communities — some begin with “Allahu akbar” three times, and some masjids say it in unison while others say it individually. Follow your masjid.

For little ones

What it means

“Allah is the Greatest — and all our thanks belong to Allah!”

The moment

When we say it

On Eid — on the way to the Eid prayer and while we wait for it to begin.

Learn the word: Allahu Akbar

Teach it

How to teach it in 3 steps

Step 1: Say it together on Eid eve and on the walk or drive to the Eid prayer.
Step 2: Use a call and answer: a grown-up says “Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar”, the children answer the next line.
Step 3: Listen to how your masjid says it, and practise that version at home.

PlayWhat do we say?Listen to a little story and tap what we say. A playful check after you've practised.Play free →Free printableThe Eid takbir cardPrint it for the fridge, the door or the car — US Letter or A4.Download the free card →Parent toolDu'a for Every MomentMark “Eid takbir” as practising or known for each child, and print it on a personalised card sheet.Open the tool →

Questions parents ask

When do we say the takbir?

For Eid al-Fitr, many say it from sunset on the night before Eid until the Eid prayer begins. For Eid al-Adha it is said in the first days of Dhul-Hijjah and through the days of Eid. The madhhabs differ on the exact times — ask your teacher.

Why does our masjid say it differently?

Several wordings have been passed down from the Companions — for example, some say “Allahu akbar” two times at the start and some three. They are all ways of praising Allah; follow your masjid.

Sources: Qur'an 2:185 (glorifying Allah when Ramadan is complete) · The takbir of the Companion Ibn Mas'ud (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah)

Families and madhhabs differ on some details — ask your teacher.