With the first light of the Day of Arafah gracing the skies over the holy lands, a powerful spiritual rhythm has begun to echo across the tents of Mina, the plains of Arafah, and far beyond. The solemn chant of “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahi al-hamd” fills the air, marking the formal commencement of the Takbeer al-Muqayyad—the restricted Takbeer that begins at the break of dawn on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah.
In accordance with Islamic tradition and prophetic guidance, this specific form of glorification is recited after every obligatory prayer, starting from the Fajr (dawn) prayer on the Day of Arafah until the Asr (afternoon) prayer on the final day of Tashreeq, which falls on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. This practice is observed by Muslims both on pilgrimage and around the world who are not participating in Hajj, serving as a vocal affirmation of faith, humility, and submission to Allah during these blessed days.
The atmosphere in Makkah and its surrounding sacred sites has taken on a heightened spiritual tone, with pilgrims engaging in constant remembrance as they prepare for the central rites of Hajj. Religious scholars across various schools of thought agree that the Takbeer during this period is a strongly recommended Sunnah, serving as a communal declaration of Allah’s greatness and mercy during the climax of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Back home in Nigeria, Islamic organisations and scholars are urging the Muslim faithful to uphold the Takbeer tradition in mosques, homes, and gatherings, as part of the broader observance of the ten days of Dhul Hijjah. The Day of Arafah, being the ninth day, is especially revered, not only for its significance to pilgrims but also for its spiritual value to all Muslims, many of whom will observe fasting today, a practice known to expiate sins of the past and coming year, as stated in authentic Hadiths.
As the echoes of Takbeer continue to rise across the world, Muslims are reminded that these sacred invocations are not mere words, but a deeply rooted tradition that links the believer to generations of worshippers before them. In the blessed moments of Arafah, every utterance carries with it a plea for mercy, a call for forgiveness, and a reaffirmation of the greatness of the One who unites hearts across continents in devotion.