الله أكبر
Allahu Akbar
The phrase 'allahu akbar' is a Muslim takbir in Arabic, pronounced الله أكبر (Allahu Akbar).
Meaning: Muslim takbir (proclamation) (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Allah (God) and akbar (greater/greatest), which literally translates to 'God is greater'.
How do you pronounce it?
Allahu Akbar
Did you know?
- Beyond religious prayer, the takbir is used in daily life to express a wide range of emotions, including sudden joy, amazement, or even as a way to keep one's courage during a difficult task.
- Before the rise of Islam, the term al-ilāh appeared in Nabataean texts that mixed Arabic and Aramaic. This suggests the singular use of the word for a deity existed in the region long before the Quran.
- The root of the word akbar is the same one used to describe physical size and scale, linking the concept of divine greatness to the concept of being 'big'.
Examples in context
- الله أكبر.Allahu akbar.This sentence shows the use of الله أكبر.Tatoeba #11788014 by dididodo, translation #13062269 by rul
Example conversation
Maryam and Yusuf are listening to the call to prayer.
- مريم Maryamسمعت الأذان الآن؟Sami'ta al-adhan al-an?Did you hear the call to prayer now?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، الله أكبر.Na'am, Allahu akbar.Yes, God is the greatest.
- مريم Maryamهل أنت مستعد للصلاة؟Hal anta musta'id lil-salat?Are you ready for prayer?
- يوسف Youssefأنا جاهز يا مريم.Ana jahiz ya Maryam.I am ready, Maryam.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries أكبر, الله, الله أكبر, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
