Ibn ‘Umar said that he heard God’s messenger say when with his hair matted he raised his voice in the talbiya, “Labbaik, O God, labbaik labbaik; Thou hast no partner; labbaik; praise and grace are Thine, and the dominion; Thou hast no partner,” saying nothing more than these words. Bukhari and Muslim.
The Excellence of the Talbiya
The talbiya is the sacred invocation that marks the pilgrim's entry into the state of consecration (ihram). Its words, "Labbaik Allahumma labbaik..." signify complete response and submission to the Divine call, echoing the response of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) when commanded to proclaim the pilgrimage.
Scholarly Commentary on the Wording
The repetition of "labbaik" (Here I am at Your service) emphasizes the pilgrim's eager response and readiness to obey Allah's commands. The declaration "Thou hast no partner" firmly establishes tawhid (divine unity), purifying the intention from any form of shirk.
"Praise and grace are Thine, and the dominion" acknowledges that all blessings, favors, and sovereignty belong solely to Allah. This comprehensive affirmation covers past blessings (praise), present favors (grace), and eternal authority (dominion).
Significance of the Unadorned Form
The Prophet's (ﷺ) adherence to these specific words without addition demonstrates the sunnah of keeping the talbiya in its pristine, revealed form. This teaches us the virtue of following the prophetic example without innovation in acts of worship.
The matted hair mentioned indicates the state of ihram where personal grooming is restricted, symbolizing the pilgrim's detachment from worldly concerns and complete focus on divine service.
Spiritual Dimensions
Each utterance of the talbiya renews the covenant of servitude, reminding the pilgrim that they are answering the call of their Lord. The raised voice demonstrates zeal and enthusiasm in responding to the divine invitation.
This narration from Ibn 'Umar (RA) in Mishkat al-Masabih 2541 preserves the authentic practice, ensuring that generations of pilgrims maintain the pure form of this fundamental rite of pilgrimage as taught by the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).