Detailed Explanation:

**The Virtue of Takbir during the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah**

The first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah are exalted days, sworn by Allah in His Book, and swearing by something is an indication of its importance and great benefit. Allah said: (By the dawn, And [by] ten nights) [Al-Fajr 89:1-2]. Ibn Abbas, Ibn Zubayr, Mujahid, and many others among the predecessors and successors said that these are the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Ibn Kathir said: “This is the correct view” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir 8/413).

Good deeds performed during these days are beloved to Allah, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”

They said, “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?”

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, except for a man who goes out with his life and wealth and returns with none of it.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari 969 and Al-Tirmidhi 757, and authenticated by Al-Albani in Sahih Al-Tirmidhi 605).

Among the righteous deeds during these days is remembering Allah through Takbir and Tahleel (saying “Allahu Akbar” and “La ilaha illallah”) as supported by the following evidence:

1. Allah said: (That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days) [Al-Hajj 22:28]. The known days are the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
2. Allah said: (And remember Allah during specific numbered days…) [Al-Baqarah 2:203], the days of Tashreeq.
3. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The days of Tashreeq are days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah” (Narrated by Muslim 1141).

**The Form of Takbir during the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah**

Scholars have different opinions on the form of Takbir during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah:

1. “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil-hamd.”
2. “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil-hamd.”
3. “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil-hamd.”

This matter is flexible as there is no specific text from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) prescribing a particular formula.

**The Timing of Takbir during the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah**

Takbir is divided into two types:

1. **Absolute Takbir**: This is not limited by anything and is thus recommended at all times: in the morning and evening, before and after prayer, and at any time. It is recommended during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and all the days of Tashreeq. It begins from the start of Dhul-Hijjah (from sunset on the last day of Dhul-Qa’dah) to the last day of Tashreeq (sunset on the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah).

2. **Restricted Takbir**: This is limited to after the obligatory prayers. It starts from the dawn of the Day of Arafah until sunset on the last day of Tashreeq—in addition to the absolute Takbir. After completing the obligatory prayer, saying “Astaghfirullah” three times, and then saying “Allahumma anta al-salam wa minka al-salam tabarakta ya dha al-jalali wal-ikram,” one begins the Takbir.

For non-pilgrims, restricted Takbir begins after each obligatory prayer from the dawn of the Day of Arafah until the sunset of the last day of Tashreeq. For pilgrims, restricted Takbir begins from the noon prayer on the Day of Sacrifice.

And Allah knows best.

**References**:

– Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn Baz, may Allah have mercy on him, 13/17
– Al-Sharh Al-Mumti’ by Ibn Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy on him, 5/220-224.

The source can be found here (in Arabic)