Difference between Restricted and Unrestricted Takbir in Dhul-Hijjah

Praise be to Allah

Summary:

Unrestricted Takbir (mutlaq) is recited at any time, while Restricted Takbir (muqayyad) is specific to times after obligatory prayers.

Detailed Answer:

The difference between restricted and unrestricted Takbir in Dhul-Hijjah lies primarily in their timing and context of recitation.

1. Unrestricted Takbir (mutlaq): This Takbir is not limited to a specific time. It is Sunnah to say it at all times—morning and evening, before prayer, after prayer, and throughout the day. It is recommended to recite unrestricted Takbir from the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah (sunset on the last day of Dhul-Qi’dah) until the end of the days of Tashriq (sunset on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah).
2. Restricted Takbir (muqayyad): This Takbir is limited to the time immediately after obligatory prayers. It starts from Fajr on the day of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah) and lasts until sunset on the last day of Tashriq (13th of Dhul-Hijjah).

Formulas of Takbir in the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah: Scholars have different views on the formulas of Takbir. The commonly recited forms include:

1. First View: “Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillahi’l-hamd” (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and to Allah be praise).
2. Second View: “Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillahi’l-hamd” (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and to Allah be praise).
3. Third View: “Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillahi’l-hamd” (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and to Allah be praise).

There is no specific text from the Prophet (ﷺ) specifying a particular form of Takbir, making the matter broad in scope.

Timing of Takbir in Dhul-Hijjah:

• Unrestricted Takbir: From the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah until the end of the days of Tashriq.
• Restricted Takbir: From Fajr on the day of Arafah until sunset on the last day of Tashriq, recited after obligatory prayers.

Conclusion: Engaging in both restricted and unrestricted Takbir during Dhul-Hijjah helps Muslims increase their remembrance of Allah and earn immense rewards.

And Allah Knows Best.