Additional Takbeeraat in Eideine

Principally, there are two types of Hadith concerning the number of additional Takbeeraat in the Salah of Eid and Baqr'eid. According to one type of Hadith, there are 12 additional Takbeer and according to the other type of Hadith, there are 6 additional Takbeer. That is why there were differences of opinion among the Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) until a certain era. According to an authentic narration found in Ma'anil Athaar of 'Allaamah At-Tahawi, there were differences regarding the number of Takbeer in the Salah of Janaza. This continued to exist until Hazrat Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu) gathered the Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) to find a solution. After consulting with them, Hazrat Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu) has concluded that there are 4 Takbeer in the Salah of Janaza just as there are 4 Takbeer in each Rak'aat of Salat-ul-Eideine. Note that the 4 Takbeer in each Rak'aat means 3 Takbeer + Takbeer Tahreemah in the first Rak'aat and the 3 Takbeer + the Takbeer to go into Ruk'ou' in the second Rak'aat.

We must have noticed that Hazrat Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu) considered the Takbeeraat of Eideine as a reference and a point to determine the number of Takbeer in the Salah of Janaza. This shows that Salat-ul-Eideine with 3 additional Takbeer in the first Rak'aat and 3 additional Takbeer in the second Rak'aat was a completely normal and a recognised practice by the Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) at the time of Hazrat Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu). Moreover, this is approved and supported by the Fatwa of the Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) such as Hazrat Abdullah Bin Mas'ud (Radiyallahu Anhu), Hazrat Abu Musa Ash'ari (Radiyallahu Anhu) and Hazrat Huzaifah (Radiyallahu Anhu). This is quite  a clear indication that the Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) were unanimous on the number of 6 additional Takbeeraat at the time of Hazrat Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu). This can be one of the reasons why the Ulama such as Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullaahi Alayh) said that there are 6 additional Takbeeraat in the Salah of Eid and Baqr'eid. It is true that there are also several Hadith concerning 12 Takbeer. That is why, in principle, Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi Alayh) also accepts the practice of 12 Takbeer as a valid practice. However if despite this, Imam Abu Hanifah showed his preference for the practice of 6 Takbeer, it is maybe due to the decision that Hazrat Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu) had made in his time in the presence of the Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum). It seems that the question of Takbeer in Eidein has become the object of divergence among the Sahabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) for quite a considerable amount of time. The decision of Hazrat Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu) had fixed it for 6 additional Rak'aat during his reign. This is a stronger point in favour of those who practice 6 Takbeer instead of 12 Takbeer.

However, in principle, when a certain practice that is correct has been in effect in a certain place for a long time, it should not be stopped. One must not try to change it to another practice which is supposedly better.  In places where 12 Takbeer have been practiced ever since, this practice must be allowed to continue. Similarly, where 6 Takbeer have always been practiced, this practice should not be changed. This is the system and the line of conduct which Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) has taught us and the Salaf has always maintained. Trying to change a practice that is correct and that is based on proof of the Shari’ah, to another, is a kind of deviation and this stems from lack of maturity in the field of Da'wah. It is with bitterness and great regret that we take note that at present, the Ummah is undergoing this kind of deviation with the complicity of the preachers who may be sincere but lack wisdom in the field of Da'wah.

Nowadays, Deen is suffering enormously due to the Ulama who are running after Dunya and due to the ignorant ones who are declaring themselves as Ulama.

[English version of "Takbeeraat supplémentaire dans Eideine" – Al Jamiat – Vol.3 No.10]