Allahu Akbar

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Allahu Akbar (أَلله أَكْبَر, as ligatures: ﷲ ﷳ) is probably the most commonly spoken phrase on the planet. Since there are over a billion Muslims in the world, and since this phrase is said during each stage of prayer, which is supposed to be performed five times a day, and at countless other times, conservative estimates indicate that it must be spoken over a billion times each day.

This formula is recited by Muslims in numerous different situations; during the call for prayer, during prayer itself, when they are happy or wish to express approval, when they slaughter an animal, and when they want to praise a speaker. Even if they do not say it, they can always hear it, since it is proclaimed loudly from every mosque as part of the Adhan.

The phrase is actually short for "Allahu Akbar min kullisay" which means God is greater than everything.

Allahu Akbar by itself translates to "God is greater." (akbar أَكْبَر is an elative form, meaning greater, greatest, or very great.) Muslims leave the phrase unfinished, with the implication that God is greater than anything you can possibly think of.

The actual title of this phrase is Takbeer (تَكْبِير), while the phrase itself is "Allahu Akbar." In the Islamic world, instead of applause, often someone will yell "Takbeer" and the crowd will respond "Allahu Akbar" in chorus.

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Audio clip

Libyan Anthem

"Allahu Akbar" is also the title of the national anthem of Libya - which, thanks to Qadhafi's long-vanished hopes of uniting the Arab world, is possibly the world's only national anthem not to mention its own country once:

God is above any attacker's tricks,
And God is the best helper for the oppressed,
God is above any attacker's tricks,
And God is the best helper for the oppressed,
With certainty and with weapons I shall defend
My nation, truth's light shining in my hand;
Say it with me, say it with me:
God is greatest, God is greatest, God is greatest!
God is great over the attacker's tricks!

Oh this world, watch and listen:
The enemy came coveting my position,
Oh this world, watch and listen:
The enemy came coveting my position,
I shall fight with weapons and defenses
And if I die, I'll take him with me!
Say it with me, say it with me:
God is greatest, God is greatest, God is greatest!
God is above any attacker's tricks!