What is the ruling on saying Takbir (Allahu Akbar) during lowering and rising in prayer movements?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The majority of scholars mandate beginning the bow with Takbir and saying Takbir for every lowering and rising movement within the prayer. This opinion is held by Ibn Mas'ud, Ibn Umar, Jabir, Abu Hurayrah, Qais ibn 'Ubad, Malik, Al-Awza'i, Ibn Jabir, Al-Shafi'i, Abu Thawr, Ahl al-Ra'y, and the common scholars of the metropolitan areas. The evidence for this is the narration from Abu Hurayrah stating that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, would say Takbir upon standing for prayer, upon bowing, upon rising from bowing, upon descending into prostration, upon rising from prostration, and throughout the entire prayer, including when standing up after the two prostrations following the sitting. Furthermore, the Prophet stated, 'The Imam is appointed to be followed; so when he says Takbir, say Takbir.' This is agreed upon (Muttafaqun 'alayh). Abu Hurayrah himself used to say his prayer was the most similar to the Prophet's prayer due to performing Takbir in every lowering and rising.
Supporting text
A view held by 'Umar ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz, Salim, Al-Qasim, and Sa'id ibn Jubayr was that they did not complete the Takbir (implying omission or shortening). Their reasoning may stem from the fact that the Prophet, peace be upon him, did not teach the full details of these specific Takbirat to the one who prayed badly, suggesting they might not be obligatory or part of the essential Sunnah.