We say: We have a legal principle which Allah has stated: “Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity.” [al-Baqarah 2:286] And He, Exalted is He, says: “So fear Allah as much as you are able.” [al-Taghabun 64:16] The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, also said: “When I command you to do something, do of it as much as you are able.” (1) Therefore, he should pronounce the takbir in his own language, and there is no blame upon him, since he is unable to do otherwise.

If someone were to ask: Why do you not tell him, “Remain silent and intend the takbir in your heart?”

The answer is that the takbir comprises a verbal expression, a meaning, and an inward affirmation of the heart. Thus, it includes three things: the affirmation of the heart, the wording established by the text—which is Arabic—and, thirdly, the meaning.

This man who does not know Arabic is able to make the takbir in his heart and to make it in meaning, but he is unable to make it using the prescribed wording. If we apply the noble verse, “So fear Allah as much as you are able” [al-Taghabun 64:16], we say: You are now able to fulfil two things and incapable of the third, so fulfil the two—namely, the takbir of the heart and of its meaning—and the third, namely the verbal takbir, is waived for you, because you are unable to perform it.

We now return to the meaning of this phrase, “Allah is Most Great.” What does it mean, and what is the wisdom behind beginning with it?

The answer is: It means that Allah, Exalted is He, is greater than everything in His Essence