What is the ruling on the transitional takbirat, along with mentioning the differing opinions, the evidence, and the most preponderant view?

Scholars differ regarding the transitional takbirat (saying "Allahu Akbar" when moving between prayer postures). Some believe they are not prescribed at all, while others, the majority, consider them mustahabb (recommended). Still others view them as wajib (definition) (obligatory), invalidating the prayer if omitted intentionally, though not if omitted out of forgetfulness. This is the view of Ahmad and Ishaq. Ibn Hazm, however, held that they invalidate the prayer even if omitted out of forgetfulness.

Those who argue for their obligation cite the Prophet's command: "Pray as you have seen me praying," and he would pray with these takbirat. They also cite his saying: "When he says takbir, then say takbir," and his saying: "Indeed, it is glorification (tasbih), magnification (takbir), and recitation of the Qur'an." Furthermore, they point to his instruction to the one who prayed badly, teaching him the takbir for bowing and prostrating.

Ahmad argued for the takbirat's omission due to forgetfulness by citing the Prophet's forgetting the first tashahhud (definition), where he omitted the takbir for sitting up for it and compensated with the prostration of forgetfulness (sujud (definition) as-sahw). He interpreted the narration "He would not complete the takbir" as referring to a state of forgetfulness.

The Hanbali school's view that the takbirat are obligatory but are excused if omitted due to forgetfulness is a strong position that combines various evidences. However, the majority view is that they are recommended.