Shaikh Uthman Al-Khamees:
Takbir is Sunnah (recommended act), ‘Wa Li Tukmilu Al-Iddata Wa Li Tukabbirullah’ ([Allah wants] for you to complete the period and glorify Allah [2:185]) . Thus, Takbir during Eid is Sunnah.This applies to both Eid Al-Adha and Eid Al-Fitr, but they differ regarding the starting time of the Takbir.
For Eid Al-Fitr, Takbir begins after sunset on the last day of Ramadan and continues until the Eid prayer.
However, for Eid Al-Adha, Takbir starts on the night preceding Eid and extends to the end of the third day of Tashreeq, until sunset on the last day of Tashreeq. This totals four days: the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. The practice differs based on this distinction.
Types of Takbir: There are two types—restricted (Muqayyad) and unrestricted (Mutlaq) Takbir. The scholars have unanimously agreed upon the unrestricted Takbir, which involves openly proclaiming Takbir. Ibn Umar and Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with them both) used to go out to the marketplace and recite Takbir, reminding others to do so. The marketplace would then resonate with collective Takbir, which is a Sunnah.
A person can perform this unrestricted Takbir while walking, entering or leaving their house, and sitting. It involves consistently reciting Takbir, and this practice is known as unrestricted Takbir.
Restricted Takbir, on the other hand, is associated with performing it after the (obligatory) prayers. Scholars have expressed varying opinions about this practice; some have disapproved of it, while others have endorsed it as post-prayer Takbir.
It is stated that restricted Takbir should not be organized in a formal manner, such as one individual using a microphone while others repeat after them.
Instead, everyone should recite Takbir individually, and if their voices happen to align harmoniously, it is not harmful (wrong) InshaAllahu Ta’la (i.e. there is no problem if Takbir in unison happens by itself). However, this harmony is not the primary objective of the practice. (End of the answer.)
Summary of the answer of Shaikh Uthman Al-Khamees Hafidhahullah:
-Takbir during Eid is Sunnah: It is a recommended act of glorifying Allah, as indicated in The Qur’an 2:185.
Timings differ for Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha:
– Eid Al-Fitr: Takbir begins after sunset on the last day of Ramadan and continues until the Eid prayer.
– Eid Al-Adha: Takbir starts on the night preceding Eid and extends to sunset on the last day of Tashreeq (covering the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah).
Types of Takbir:
– Unrestricted Takbir (Mutlaq): Performed openly and frequently at various times and places (e.g., walking, sitting, etc.). Ibn Umar and Abu Hurairah encouraged public recital in marketplaces, making it a Sunnah.
– Restricted Takbir (Muqayyad): Recited after obligatory prayers. Scholars hold differing opinions about this practice.
Guidance on Takbir Recitation:
– It is advised to recite Takbir individually rather than organizing it formally, such as using a microphone.
– Unison in Takbir, if occurring naturally, is permissible and not harmful, but it should not be the primary goal.
(Translated by Mohammed bin Thajammul Hussain Manna.)
Saheehus-Seerah 