Salat 19: Takbiratul Ihrām

Rulings Regarding Prayer

Takbiratul Ihrām

In the previous episode, we explained niyyah. Just after niyyah, it is time for takbiratul ihrām, which is considered the first part of prayer. The dhikr "Allahu Akbar" is called takbiratul ihrām, with which prayer commences and which must be recited in correct Arabic, and as it is one the rukn obligatory acts, prayer is invalidated if it is not recited, whether intentionally or inadvertently. Even if someone recites the takbir intentionally twice it invalidates their prayer.

Furthermore, if one is dumb or cannot utter takbir correctly due to some illness or any other reason, they must try to say it in whatever way they can, and if they cannot say takbir at all, the obligatory precaution demands that they indicate it with their hand and with sign language commonly used by the deaf; besides that, they should make it pass through the heart.

When saying takbir, it is recommended for one to raise both their hands up to their ears, but they should recite it at the moment their body is still, meaning that if they recite takbir while bending over, moving or walking, their prayer is invalid.

If one doubts whether or not they have recited takbir correctly they must not recite it again, and must go on with the prayer. Moreover, if one doubts while reciting surah al-Fatiha or the other Surah whether or not they have recited takbiratul Ihrām, their doubt is still unjustified and they must not pay any attention to it. But if one has not yet started to recite al-Fatiha, they should say takbir again.