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Allahu Akbar ( Arabic: الله أَكْبَر) is a shortened from of the Arabic phrase Allahu Akbar min kulli shay, which means " God is greater than everything." Allahu Akbar alone translates to "God is greater..." Akbar is an elative form, meaning "greater, greatest, or very great." Muslims leave the phrase "God is greater..."unfinished, with the implication that God is greater than anything one can possibly think of.
This phrase is recited by Muslims in numerous different situations; for example when they are happy or wish to express approval, when an animal is slaughtered according in a halaal fashion, when they want to praise a speaker, and during battles.
The phrase is said during each stage of both obligatory prayers, which are supposed to be performed five times a day, and superogatory prayers, which are performed at will. The Muslim call to prayer, or Adhan, also contains the phrase, which is heard in cities all over Muslim world. The Muslim call to commence the prayer, or Iqamaa, also contains the phrase.
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.