Allahu Akbar is an Islamic phrase translated to mean “Allah is the greatest,”.It is a powerful declaration used by Muslims on many occasions and in many prayers.
It is used when someone sees a beautiful sunset, when a baby is born or when a doctor’s patient gets better from treatment, when a favorite sports team wins a game, or at a wedding.
Sadly, the meaning of Allahu Akbar has changed over the past several decades with the rise of terrorist attacks and the media’s coverage and portrayal of them. As some Muslim extremists employ this phrase before performing acts of terror.
Table of Contents
Pronunciation
The following video we have made will help you learn the proper pronunciation of the phrase word by word:
Allahu Akbar Meaning
the phrase “Allahu Akbar” simply means “God is greater” or “God is greatest”. It is a prayerful phrase that reminds who says it that, no matter what our concerns may be, God is greater than them.
Unfortunately, the meaning of Allahu Akbar has shifted to something negative and fearful due to often appearing and being related in the media to Islamist extremists, Salafists, and terrorists, to instill fear in anyone who utters the phrase and raise concerns even about Islam itself.
Allahu Akbar in Arabic
The phrase Allahu Akbar consists of 2 words which are written with Diacritical as:
اللهُ أَكْـبَر
Related:
and Without the Diacritical:
الله أكبر
so its literal translation is Allah Greater.And they broken down as the following table:
| Allahu | اللهُ | God |
| Akbar | أَكْـبَر | is Greater |
Allahu Akbar Usage
Contrary to what many media seem to think Allahu Akbar has so many uses that are not related to terrorism or being said by terrorists. Allahuakbar is a powerful declaration used by Muslims on many occasions and in many prayers.
In prayers
The phrase is said at the start of any formal prayer and during each stage.
In Azan
The phrase is said at the being of Azan (Call for prayers) five times a day
After births and deaths
It is a celebration of life, the first words fathers whisper in the ears of their newborns.
During Eid and Hajj
During the festival of Eid and the days preceding it, Muslims recite the Takbīr which includes the saying, Allahuakbar . as well as Hajjis.
Phrase Origin
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: The most beloved words to Allah are four: Subḥānallāh Walḥamdu lillāh. Wa lā ilāha illallāh Wallāhu Akbar.
Hisn al-Muslim 261
AllahuAkbar Quotes
Allah is greater than any problem life throws at you.
Allah is greater than your trials, storms, depression, doubts, worries, fears, and addictions
Allah ﷻ is greater than any obstacle you may face
Conclusion
In order for ‘AllahuAkbar’ to regain its real positive meaning, it is important to educate and remind people that it is an Arabic phrase used in the daily lives of billions of Muslims as a call to prayer.
