The Text of the Talbiya

The hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 1550 narrates the precise wording of the Prophet's (ﷺ) Talbiya: "Labbaika Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaika la sharika Laka labbaik, Inna-l-hamda wan-ni'mata Laka wal-mulk, La sharika Laka."

Linguistic Meaning & Significance

"Labbaika" means "I respond to Your call, repeatedly and obediently." Its repetition signifies earnestness and persistence in answering the divine summons. "Allahumma" is a vocative particle for calling upon Allah with reverence.

The phrase "la sharika Laka" (You have no partner) is declared twice, forming the core of the Talbiya's message. It is a profound affirmation of Tawhid (Allah's Oneness), explicitly negating any form of shirk (associating partners with Allah) at the very inception of the Hajj rites.

Exegesis of the Phrases

"Inna-l-hamda wan-ni'mata Laka wal-mulk" translates to "Indeed, all praise, every bounty, and all sovereignty are Yours." This acknowledges that every form of gratitude is due to Allah alone, every blessing enjoyed is from Him, and all dominion over creation belongs solely to Him.

The final, emphatic "La sharika Laka" (You have no partner) serves as a conclusive declaration, sealing this covenant of monotheism before the pilgrim embarks on the sacred rituals. It reminds the believer that every act of worship in Hajj must be performed with sincere devotion to Allah alone.

Legal Ruling and Spiritual Essence

The recitation of the Talbiya in this specific formulation is a confirmed Sunnah (Prophetic tradition). It is recited from the moment one assumes Ihram until the commencement of the stoning of Jamrat al-Aqabah on the Day of Eid.

Spiritually, the Talbiya is the pilgrim's heartfelt response to the call of Ibrahim (AS). It signifies leaving behind worldly affairs and submitting wholly to the command of the Lord. Each utterance is a renewal of faith, a rejection of polytheism, and an embodiment of servitude.