Allahu Akbar
Allahu Akbar (أَلله أَكْبَر) is probably the most commonly spoken phrase today. There are over a billion
Muslims out there and since this is said during each stage of prayer, which is supposed to be performed five times a day, it adds up to being spoken over a billion times a day worldwide, by a conservative estimate. This statement is said by Muslims numerous times; During the
call for prayer, during
prayer, when they are happy, and wish to express their approval of what they hear, when they slaughter an animal, and when they want to praise a speaker. Even if they don't say it, they can also hear it, since it's proclaimed loudly as part of the
Azan at
mosques.
The phrase is actually short for "Allahu Akbar min kullisay" which means God is greater than everything.
Allahu Akbar by itself translates to "God is greater." (akbar أَكْبَر is an elative form, meaning greater, greatest, or very great.) Muslims leave the phrase unfinished, with the implication that whatever you can think of, God is greater than that, too.
The actual title of this phrase is Takbeer (تَكْبِير), while the phrase itself is "Allahu Akbar." Instead of applause, it's better to have someone yell "Takbeer" and the crowd to respond "Allahu Akbar" in chorus.
External link
"Allahu Akbar" is the title of the national anthem of Libya.