(1) The hadith demonstrates that the prayer can be opened only with the takbir (saying “Allahu Akbar”) and with no other form of remembrance; this is the position of the majority. Abu Hanifa, however, held that the prayer is established by any wording intended as glorification. The hadith refutes this view, for the genitive phrase “its prohibition” entails exclusivity, as though it said: “the whole of its prohibition is the takbir,” meaning that the validity of entering the prayer’s state of sanctity is confined to the takbir and nothing else—just as one might say, “So-and-so’s wealth is camels,” or “So-and-so’s knowledge is grammar.” Numerous other hadiths—both the Prophet’s ﷺ statements and his practice—likewise indicate that the precise wording of the takbir is required. Accordingly, the hadith establishes that the takbir is obligatory. Jurists differ over its exact legal status: al-Hafiz says it is a pillar (rukn) for the majority, a condition (shart) for the Hanafis, a recognised view (wajh) within the Shafi‘i school, and a sunnah for al-Zuhri—a position which, Ibn al-Mundhir notes, no one else adopted. Al-Shawkani argues for its obligatoriness from the Prophet’s ﷺ directive in the hadith of “the man who prayed badly”: “When you stand for prayer, perfect your wudu, then face the qibla and pronounce the takbir….” He adduces the next report as evidence that it is a condition: “No one’s prayer is complete until he performs wudu, putting it in its proper places … then says: Allahu Akbar.” He comments: “Basing conditionality on this text is sound, provided that the negation of completeness implies the negation of validity—which appears to be the case, for we are commanded to pray without deficiency; an incomplete prayer is invalid, and whoever claims its validity must prove it.” (Slightly adapted.) Further discussion can be found in his work. Just as the hadith establishes the obligation of the takbir, it also indicates the obligation of the taslim (closing salutation); this will be discussed in its proper place, God willing.