PRAY TELL
What does Allahu Akbar mean? English translation of the phrase used in Muslim prayers
The call is probably the most famous Arabic mantra in the world - so here are the facts about what it means
ALLAHU Akbar is an Arabic phrase that has become well known throughout the world.
But what does this ancient religious call mean? Here is all you need to know about the Islamic declaration of faith.
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What does Allahu Akbar mean?
The literal English translation of the phrase Allahu Akbar is "God is greater".
Known as the "Takbir" it has been used in traditional Muslim prayers for centuries and is used as a peaceful reminder of their religious commitment.
They are the opening words of the Adhan (Islamic call to prayer) and is also often used in approval in the same way Christians say "Amen".
Arabic speaking Christians are also known to use the phrase as an expression of their faith.
A number of Muslim countries feature the phrase on their national flags, including Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan.
The phrase is not found in the Koran.
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When was the phrase Allahu Akbar first used?
The phrase was allegedly first used by the Prophet Muhammad in the seventh century.
Muhammad is said to have used it as a rallying cry before the Battle of Badr in what is now modern day Saudi Arabia on March 13 624.
In this context the call would mean "God is greater than the enemy".
The battle was a decisive victory for the Muslims over the Meccans and is recorded in the biographies of Muhammad and the hadiths.
Why is it shouted by terrorists?
The ancient Islamic phrase has been co-opted by jihadi extremists, much to the distress of moderate Muslims.
Allahu Akbar became the call of choice for Islamist terrorists following the 9/11 attacks after it was found in a four page document in the luggage of the suspected ringleader, Mohamed Atta.
The document contained the passage: “Shout, 'Allahu Akbar,' because this strikes fear in the hearts of the non-believers.”
It has also been used by the killers of Lee Rigby and witnesses reported the Paris Bataclan attackers also yelling the phrase.
Allahu Akbar has also been commonly used in videos released by ISIS.
Writer and doctor Hesham Hassaballah has said on his about the phrase: “Allahu Akbar was never intended to be the 'battle cry' of Muslims, the contentions of many notwithstanding.
"I hate it when Muslim terrorists use (and subsequently defile) this phrase.
“Allahu Akbar teaches us humility.
"It reminds the Muslim believer that God is Supreme, that God is greater than anyone or anything in this universe."
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What has Venice said about the phrase?
Cops in Venice have been told to shoot potential terrorists on sight and target anyone shouting "Allahu Akbar".
Luigi Brugnaro, mayor of the tourist hot spot of Venice, revealed the order at a summer think tank and was applauded by delegates.
He said: “Anyone who shouts Allahu Akbar in St Mark’s Square can expect to be gunned down by snipers within four paces.
"We need to increase our security when it comes to terrorism. We had four would be terrorists arrested in Venice a few months ago who wanted to blow up the Rialto bridge.
"They said they wanted to go and meet Allah so we will send them straight to Allah without having to throw them off the bridge, we will just shoot them.’’
Last night he added:’’I have never been politically correct, in fact I am politically correct and that’s why we also need a naval blockade against people coming into Italy from north Africa.’’
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