The unrestricted takbīr is recommended on the two nights of the Festivals …
His statement, “The unrestricted takbīr is recommended on the two nights of the Festivals,” means that unrestricted takbīr—that is, takbīr legislated at all times—is recommended for men and women, the young and the old, in homes, markets, mosques, and elsewhere, except in places unsuited to the remembrance of Allah, Most High.
The author, may Allah have mercy on him, has informed us that takbīr is of two types:
- Unrestricted.
- Restricted.
The unrestricted type has already been discussed.
The restricted type is that which is confined to the ends of the prescribed prayers; discussion of it will come, if Allah wills.
His statement, “on the two nights of the Festivals,” means the Festivals of al-Fitr and al-Adha, beginning from sunset.
The evidence for this on the night of the Festival of al-Fitr is the saying of Allah, Most High: “And complete the prescribed period, and magnify Allah for having guided you.” [al-Baqarah 2:185]
Thus, He says: “And complete the prescribed period, and magnify Allah.” Completing the prescribed period takes place at sunset on the last day of Ramadan, either by completing thirty days or by sighting the new moon. Therefore, once the sun has set on the last day of Ramadan, unrestricted takbīr is recommended from sunset until the sermon has concluded. However, when the time for the prayer comes, one prays and then listens to the sermon afterward.
For this reason, some scholars said: from sunset until the imam begins the takbīr for the prayer.
The author, may Allah have mercy on him, did not explicitly state the ruling on saying it aloud or quietly in