Allahu Akbar

Allahu Akbar

Allahu Akbar (أَلله أَكْبَر) is probably the most commonly spoken phrase today. There are over a billion Muslims out there and since this is said during each stage of prayer, which is supposed to be performed five times a day, it adds up to being spoken over a billion times a day worldwide, by a conservative estimate. This statement is said by Muslims numerous times; During the call for prayer, during prayer, when they are happy, and wish to express their approval of what they hear, when they slaughter an animal, and when they want to praise a speaker. Even if they don't say it, they can also hear it, since it's proclaimed loudly as part of the Azan at mosques.

The phrase is actually short for "Allahu Akbar min kullisay" which means God is greater than everything.

Allahu Akbar by itself translates to "God is greater." (akbar أَكْبَر is an elative form, meaning greater, greatest, or very great.) Muslims leave the phrase unfinished, with the implication that whatever you can think of, God is greater than that, too.

The actual title of this phrase is Takbeer (تَكْبِير), while the phrase itself is "Allahu Akbar." Instead of applause, it's better to have someone yell "Takbeer" and the crowd to respond "Allahu Akbar" in chorus.

External link

Audio clip

Libyan Anthem

"Allahu Akbar" is the title of the national anthem of Libya - which, thanks to Qaddafi's long-vanished hopes of uniting the Arab world, is possibly the only national anthem anywhere not to mention its own country once:

God is above any attacker's tricks,
And God is the best helper for the oppressed,
God is above any attacker's tricks,
And God is the best helper for the oppressed,
With certainty and with weapons I shall defend
My nation, truth's light shining in my hand;
Say it with me, say it with me:
God is greatest, God is greatest, God is greatest!
God is great over the attacker's tricks!

Oh this world, watch and listen:
The enemy came coveting my position,
Oh this world, watch and listen:
The enemy came coveting my position,
I shall fight with weapons and defenses
And if I die, I'll take him with me!
Say it with me, say it with me:
God is greatest, God is greatest, God is greatest!
God is above any attacker's tricks!