Firstly, we’d like to clarify that there is takbir for Salah (Prayer) which is Allahu Akbar. There is also takbir in the days of dhul-Hijjah which is permissible from the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah until the end of the 13th day. There are two types of takbir: unrestricted and restricted. Unrestricted takbir starts from the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah until the days of `Eid, while restricted takbir is confined to the time after the obligatory Prayers.
The transmitted wording of takbir is: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Illa Allah; Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, walillah Al Hamd” (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah; Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise is due to Allah). There is also another version transmitted from Salman, (may Allah be pleased with him), who used to say: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Kabira” (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Ever Greatest). Then he followed this by sending blessings on the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). This version of Takbir is applicable at any time, however, it was not transmitted from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) nor from any other righteous companions (may Allah be pleased with them).
For more elaboration, we would like to cite the following fatwa issued by the eminent Muslim scholar, Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, in which he states the following:
“There are two types of takbir in Dhul-Hijjah: unrestricted takbir and restricted takbir. Unrestricted takbir is applicable at any time or place, from the first of Dhul-Hijjah until the days of `Eid. Hence, a man can make takbir on the roads, markets, in Mina, and also when people meet each other. All these are occasions for unrestricted takbir.
Restricted takbir, on the other hand, is restricted to the time following every obligatory prayer, especially if it is offered in congregation, as most scholars restrict it. This type of takbir also includes takbir in the place of `Eid Prayer, on the way to it and while one is sitting around waiting for the `Eid prayer. On such occasions one should not remain silent, in both `Eid Al-Fitr or `Eid Al-Adha, for these are days on which Islamic rites should be properly observed.
Takbir is one of the most prominent Islamic rites. It is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Ornament your feasts with takbir.” (At-Tabarani in “As-Saghir” and “Al-Awsat”, and it has a kind of vagueness) Therefore, Muslims should observe takbir on the day of `Eid. On their way to perform `Eid Prayer and as they wait for it, Muslims should make takbir loudly, saying: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Illa Allah; Allahu Akbar, Walillah Al Hamd” This is the version adhered to by Ibn Mas`ud as well as Imam Ahmad.
There is also another version of takbir reported from Salman; it goes, “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbaru Kabira”.
Accompanying takbir by sending blessings on the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), followed by reciting Adhkar was not reported by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). However, sending blessings on the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is commendable all the time. It is just to say that the special wording some people use on the occasion of `Eid especially was not done by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).”