The Talbiyah of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was: "Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, inna al-hamda wa an-ni'mata laka wa al-mulk, la sharika lak."
He said: And Abdullah ibn Umar used to add in his Talbiyah: "Labbayka labbayka labbayka wa sa'dayk, wa al-khayru bi-yadayk, wa ar-raghba'u ilayka wa al-'amal."
The Rites of Hajj (Kitab Al-Manasik Wa'l-Hajj) - Sunan Abi Dawud 1812
This narration from the esteemed companion Abdullah ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) preserves for us the precise wording of the Prophet's Talbiyah - the sacred invocation recited upon entering the state of ihram for Hajj or Umrah.
The Core Talbiyah of the Prophet
"Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak" - Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and blessing are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no partner.
This formulation contains the essential elements of tawhid (divine unity): affirmation of Allah's exclusive right to worship, acknowledgment of His perfect attributes, and negation of any partners ascribed to Him.
Ibn 'Umar's Additional Phrases
The companion's addition of "Labbayk, labbayk, labbayk wa sa'daik" demonstrates the permissibility of supplementary invocations that do not contradict the Prophetic example, showing the flexibility within the boundaries of the Sunnah.
"Wal-khayru bi yadayk" (and all good is in Your Hands) affirms divine decree and that all goodness emanates from Allah alone, while "war-raghba'u ilayka wal-'amal" (and desire and action are directed to You) expresses complete devotion and sincerity of intention.
Scholarly Commentary
The repetition of "Labbayk" signifies persistent response and readiness to obey Allah's commands. Scholars note that the Prophet's Talbiyah perfectly balances between affirming Allah's attributes and negating imperfections, serving as the ideal model for pilgrims.
Ibn 'Umar's practice teaches us that while adhering to the Prophetic core is essential, there is room for personal devotion in supplementary phrases that align with Islamic principles and enhance one's spiritual connection during the sacred rites.