What is "takbir"

n. (context Islam English) A proclamation of the greatness of God, "Allahu akbar".

The Takbīr , also transcribed Tekbir or Takbeer, is the term for the Arabic phrase , usually translated as "God is [the] greatest". It is a common Islamic Arabic expression, used in various contexts by Muslims; in formal prayer, in the call for prayer ( adhān), as an informal expression of faith, in times of distress, or to express resolute determination or defiance.

The form is the nominative of Allah, meaning " God". In the context of Islam, it is the proper name of God. The form is the elative of the adjective , meaning "great", from the Semitic root . As used in the it is usually translated as "greatest", but some authors prefer "greater"."The formula, as the briefest expression of the absolute superiority of the One God, is used in Muslim life in different circumstances, in which the idea of God, His greatness and goodness is suggested."

Wensinck, A. J. The Encyclopaedia of Islam, 2nd edition. Brill, 2000. Volume 10, T-U, p. 119, Takbir.

The term itself is the stem II verbal noun () of the triliteral root , meaning "great", from which Akbar "greater" is derived.