Is the three-time recitation of Takbir based on definitive prescription (Tawqif)?
Chapter on the Two Eid Prayers
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
The assertion that Jabir's three-time recitation is exclusively based on definitive prescription is invalid. Firstly, it has been reported that Jabir narrated something contrary to this action, meaning one cannot discard the explicit narration for a mere possibility of a contradicting precedent. Secondly, if his action is considered definitive prescription, then the differing opinion of others would also be considered definitive prescription, meaning the weaker opinion was preferred over stronger opinions held by those superior in knowledge and greater in number. Thirdly, this is not established as a legal tenet of the differing school, as the saying of a Companion is not usually taken as definitive prescription in that school. Fourthly, definitive prescription is only invoked when a practice contradicts established principles, whereas the mention of Allah's name does not contradict the fundamental principles, especially when the preferred number is odd.