Is the prescribed Takbir after the obligatory prayers required for an individual praying alone?
Chapter on the Two Eid Prayers
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
The established ruling for our Imam (may Allah have mercy upon him, referring to Imam Ahmad) is that the Takbir after obligatory prayers is performed following the congregational prayers. This is the most renowned opinion. This aligns with the view of Al-Thawri and Abu Hanifa, who state that the Takbir is incumbent only upon those who pray in congregation, citing the practice of Ibn Umar and the statement of Ibn Mas'ud. The evidence for this is the practice of Ibn Umar and the statement of Ibn Mas'ud, for whom no Companion is known to have dissented, thus establishing consensus (Ijma'). Furthermore, the Takbir is a remembrance specific to the time of Eid, so it is restricted to the congregation, and its prescription for obligatory prayers does not necessitate its prescription for supererogatory prayers, similar to the Adhan and Iqamah.
Supporting text
There is a second narration from Ahmad (may Allah have mercy upon him) stating that the Takbir is required after the obligatory prayer even if one prays alone. This is the position of Malik, as it is a recommended remembrance for one joining late (masbuq), so it is recommended for the one praying alone, similar to the greeting (salam). Furthermore, Malik holds that Takbir is not made after supererogatory prayers, but only after obligatory prayers. Al-Shafi'i holds that Takbir follows every prayer, obligatory or supererogatory, whether performed alone or in congregation, because it is a performed prayer, thus requiring Takbir afterward, similar to an obligatory prayer in congregation.