What is the difference between the absolute takbir and the restricted takbir, and what is the Sunnah regarding them?
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The questioner : Some students of knowledge have differed regarding the absolute and restricted takbir. Some began the restricted takbir after the prayer in the first ten days, while another said that this is not appropriate because it is not the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). As the Companions reported from him, he would say takbir when he finished the Fajr prayer on the Day of 'Arafah if he was not a pilgrim, and on the Day of Sacrifice if he was a pilgrim. This restricts the restricted takbir to not being used after the prayer in its time. Others objected by saying that it is reported in the books that the absolute takbir is prescribed in the mosques, in the markets, and elsewhere.
The Shaykh : There is no Sunnah from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) in this. So, there is a difference of opinion among the scholars, and the scholars have their own independent legal reasoning in this matter. The closest thing that can be said is that the restricted takbir is from the dawn of the Day of 'Arafah until the afternoon of the last day of the days of Tashreeq. The meaning of our saying "restricted" is that it is included in the dhikr after the prayer. It does not mean that we say takbir from the moment of the taslim. Rather, what is prescribed from the moment of the taslim is to seek forgiveness three times, and to say: "O Allah, You are Peace and from You comes peace. Blessed are You, O Owner of Majesty and Honor." Then after that, you say takbir. As for what comes before that, it is absolute takbir until the setting of the sun on the last day of the days of Tashreeq. Accordingly, from the dawn of the Day of 'Arafah until the last of the days of Tashreeq, the absolute and the restricted takbir coincide. What comes before that, from the entry of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, is absolute. As for the night of the Eid of Ramadan, it is absolute and not restricted. The matter is broad, and praise be to Allah, it is all dhikr. Allah the Mighty and Majestic says:[An-Nisa 4:103] It is not befitting for there to be dispute among people, or litigation, or disturbance of the common people in this matter. The matter in this is broad. Yes.
The questioner : Peace be upon you.
Your Eminence, I ask you, Your Eminence, to answer the question written on the paper.
The Shaykh : Read it. Do you have it with you? Read it.
The questioner : ... .
The Shaykh : Well, go ahead, go ahead.
The Shaykh : There is no Sunnah from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) in this. So, there is a difference of opinion among the scholars, and the scholars have their own independent legal reasoning in this matter. The closest thing that can be said is that the restricted takbir is from the dawn of the Day of 'Arafah until the afternoon of the last day of the days of Tashreeq. The meaning of our saying "restricted" is that it is included in the dhikr after the prayer. It does not mean that we say takbir from the moment of the taslim. Rather, what is prescribed from the moment of the taslim is to seek forgiveness three times, and to say: "O Allah, You are Peace and from You comes peace. Blessed are You, O Owner of Majesty and Honor." Then after that, you say takbir. As for what comes before that, it is absolute takbir until the setting of the sun on the last day of the days of Tashreeq. Accordingly, from the dawn of the Day of 'Arafah until the last of the days of Tashreeq, the absolute and the restricted takbir coincide. What comes before that, from the entry of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, is absolute. As for the night of the Eid of Ramadan, it is absolute and not restricted. The matter is broad, and praise be to Allah, it is all dhikr. Allah the Mighty and Majestic says:
And when you have completed the prayer, remember Allah standing, sitting, or [lying] on your sides
فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمُ الصَّلاةَ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ قِيَاماً وَقُعُوداً وَعَلَى جُنُوبِكُمْThe questioner : Peace be upon you.
Your Eminence, I ask you, Your Eminence, to answer the question written on the paper.
The Shaykh : Read it. Do you have it with you? Read it.
The questioner : ... .
The Shaykh : Well, go ahead, go ahead.