When Should the Imam Say “Allahu Akbar” During Salah Movements?
Question
When I am leading the prayer, at what point should I say Allahu Akbar — while standing, on my way down to ruku‘, or after I have reached the bowing position?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in.
The takbir (saying “Allahu Akbar”) that accompanies the movements of prayer — from standing to ruku‘, from ruku‘ to sujud, and so on — is called takbirat al-intiqal (the transition takbir).
1. The Sunnah Timing of the Takbir
The Prophet ﷺ was described in the hadith of Abu Hurayrah and others as:
“He would say Allahu Akbar whenever he lowered or raised himself.”
(Bukhari, Muslim)
From this, scholars explained that the takbir should begin at the start of the movement and end before the next position is fully reached.
So:
- When moving from standing to ruku‘, you start saying Allahu Akbar as you begin to bend,
- and you finish it before reaching the ruku‘ position.
This ensures that the takbir accompanies the transition — not before and not after it.
2. The Position of the Imam
For the imam, it is recommended to say the takbir slightly before reaching the new position so that the followers can follow his movements.
- Example: As the imam starts to bow, he says Allahu Akbar, and the congregation follows.
- When he has reached ruku‘, the followers will naturally arrive shortly after.
This follows the Prophet’s instruction:
“When the imam says ‘Allahu Akbar,’ then bow, and do not bow until he has bowed.”
(Bukhari, Muslim)
Final Ruling
The imam should begin saying “Allahu Akbar” at the start of each movement — such as when beginning to bow for ruku‘ — and finish before reaching the new position.
This was the consistent practice of the Prophet ﷺ, and it allows the congregation to follow properly and calmly.
And Allah knows best.