The word “takbir,” which is the Arabic term for the phrase “God is great” is now used all the time and has become a way to jest and joke. The use of the phrase “God is great” is no longer welcomed within certain circles because of it association with fighters. Fouad tells Al-Akhbar: “I received my passport after waiting five months. In the meantime, I checked with the immigration and passport department about 10 times until I lost hope of ever getting it. Finally, when the officer told me the passport is ready, I was so happy, I inadvertently yelled ‘God is great.’ Suddenly, everyone fell silent in the hall and turned towards me. The officer stared at me in shock and disapproval. I felt awkward and apologized.”
March 19, 2014
In Syria, God Is No Longer Great
An excerpt from, "War turns Syrian society upside down" by Suhaib Anjarini, Al Akhbar English, March 18, 2014: