Prayers to Recite Between Eid al-Adha Takbirs – Learn Them By Heart

The additional takbirs, or takbir zawaid, in Eid al-Adha prayer are an iconic ritual. However, did you know there are several prayers to recite between them?

Referenced from the book Arbain (40 Hadiths) on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha by Nor Kandir, the additional takbirs for Eid al-Adha prayer total 12: seven in the first rak’ah and five in the second.

From ’Amr ibn Shu’ayb, from his father, from his grandfather: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) performed twelve takbirs during Eid prayer, seven in the first and five in the second.” (Reported by Ahmad, no. 6688)

Readers should note that these twelve takbirs differ from the initial takbir (takbiratul ihram) and the takbir for transition (intiqal). The seven additional takbirs are performed after the takbiratul ihram, while the remaining five follow the intiqal takbir of the second rak’ah.

Then, what should be recited between these twelve takbirs? Check the prayer readings below.

Prayers to Recite Between Eid al-Adha Takbirs

According to Sofyan Chalid bin Idham Ruray’s book Fiqh of Eid Prayer, there is no specific prayer prescribed by the Prophet (peace be upon him) for between the takbirs of Eid al-Adha prayer. However, companions recommended praising Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet.

Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Between the takbirs, one should praise Allah, exalt Him, and send blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him).” (Reported by al-Tabarani in al-Kabir and al-Irwa’, no. 642)

Example Prayer 1 Between Eid al-Adha Takbirs

Imam Ibn Qudamah provided this concrete example for readers to follow:

Allāhu akbaru kabīrā, wal-ḥamdu lillāhi kathīrā, wa subḥānallāhi bukratan wa āṣīlā, wa shallallāhu ’alā Muḥammadin nabiyyil ummiyyi wa ’alā ālihi wa ṣaḥbihi wa sallam.

Transliteration: Allahu akbar kabīrā, walhamdu lillāhi kathīrā, wa subḥānallāhi bukratan wa āṣīlā, wa shallallāhu ’alā Muḥammadin nabiyyil ummiyyi wa ’alā ālihi wa ṣaḥbihi wa sallam.

Example Prayer 2 Between Eid al-Adha Takbirs

Another example is provided by Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah:

Subḥānallāhi wal-ḥamdu lillāhi wa lā ilāha illallāhu wallāhu akbar. Allāhumma shalli ’alā Muḥammad wa ’alā āli Muḥammad. Allāhumma ghfir lī warḥamnī.

Transliteration: Subḥānallāhi wal-ḥamdu lillāhi wa lā ilāha illallāhu wallāhu akbar. Allāhumma shalli ’alā Muḥammad wa ’alā āli Muḥammad. Allāhumma ghfir lī warḥamnī.

Should Hands Be Raised During Eid al-Fitr Takbirs?

Besides prayers between takbirs, whether to raise hands remains a question. Referenced from Firanda Andirja’s book “Complete Guide to Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha Prayer”, one hadith that answers this is:

“And he raised both hands at every takbir before rukū.” (Reported by Abu Dawud, no. 722)

This hadith is followed by the majority of scholars for raising hands during each additional takbir. This view is adopted by the majority of scholars in the Hanafi, Shafi’i, and Hanafi schools.

However, some scholars state that raising hands is not prescribed. Among those holding this view are Imam Malik, Sufyan al-Thawri, and Ibn Abu Layla.

And Allah knows best.