What is the prescribed formula for the Takbir (magnification)?
Chapter on the Two Eid Prayers
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
The prescribed formula for the Takbir is: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahi al-hamd. This is the opinion held by Umar, Ali, Ibn Mas'ud, Al-Thawri, Abu Hanifa, Ishaq, and Ibn al-Mubarak. Ibn al-Mubarak added 'ala ma hadana' (for that which He has guided us) based on the verse Quran 22:37, which commands magnification for Allah's guidance. The evidence for the primary formula is found in the narration of Jabir from the Prophet, peace be upon him, which explicitly states the manner of Takbir. This formula is also supported by the practice of the two Rashidun Caliphs and Ibn Mas'ud.
Supporting text
Malik and Al-Shafi'i hold that the Takbir should be repeated three times: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. They base this on the action of Jabir praying during the Days of Tashriq and then proclaiming the Takbir three times, asserting this must be based on definitive prescription (tawqif). They argue that the Takbir is a ritual of the Eid, thus it should be odd in number, similar to the Takbir in prayer and the Khutbah (sermon).