The schools of thought have differed in determining the start and end times for the Takbirat (proclamations of “Allahu Akbar” during Eid). This variation is due to differences in narrations from the companions and the general nature of the texts. The following is a summary of the four major opinions:
Firstly, the Hanafi School of thought:
In our school, there are three narrations regarding this matter:
The first narration is attributed to Imam Abu Hanifa (may Allah be pleased with him), and its content is that the Takbirat of Eid begin from the dawn of Arafah Day and end at the Asr prayer of the Eid Day.
Secondly: The narration attributed to Abu Yusuf (may Allah have mercy on him) states that the Takbir should start after the Dhuhr prayer of Eid Day and end at the Asr prayer of the third day of Tashreeq (the days following Eid).
Thirdly: The majority of Hanafi scholars, and the view that is followed in the Hanafi School, hold that the Takbir should commence after the Fajr prayer of the Day of Arafah and conclude after the Asr prayer of the last day of Tashreeq, which is the fourth day of the Eid days.
Secondly: The Maliki School:
It begins after the Dhuhr prayer on the day of Eid and ends with the Fajr prayer of the fourth day, which is the last day of Tashreeq. These are the three days, making a total of fifteen prayers.
Thirdly: The Shafi’i School:
Its time according to them is from the dawn of the Day of Arafah until the sunset of the third day of the Days of Tashreeq. As for the pilgrim, they engage in Takbeer from the midday of the Day of Sacrifice until the sunset of the third day of the Days of Tashreeq.
Fourthly: The Hanbali School:
Its time begins from the Fajr prayer of the Day of Arafah for those not in a state of consecration, and from the Dhuhr prayer of the Day of Sacrifice for those in a state of consecration. It concludes for both groups with the Asr prayer on the last days of Tashreeq.
Accordingly, the majority of scholars have stated that the restricted Takbeer after prayers begins with the Fajr prayer of the Day of Arafah. This is the opinion of the Hanafis in their relied upon view, as well as the Shafi’is and Hanbalis. The Maliki School, however, differs and asserts that it begins from the Dhuhr of the Day of Eid.
As for its ending, the Hanafis in their relied upon view and the Hanbalis have concluded that it ends with the Asr prayer of the fourth day (the third day of Tashreeq). On the other hand, the Shafi’is assert that it concludes with the sunset of the fourth day. The Malikis, however, state that it ends with the Fajr prayer of the fourth day. Each school has its own evidence and reasoning for their respective positions.
And Allah knows best.
Fatwa by Dr. Khālid Naṣr