"Labbaika Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaika la sharika laka labbaik. 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 blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no partner)."
The Talbiyah: Invocation of Hajj and Umrah
This sacred invocation, known as the Talbiyah, is the distinctive chant of the pilgrim during the state of ihram for both Hajj and Umrah. Its recitation begins from the moment one assumes ihram and continues throughout the pilgrimage until the commencement of the ritual stoning of Jamrat al-Aqabah on the Day of Eid.
Scholarly Commentary (Tafsir) on the Phrases
"Labbaika Allahumma Labbaik": This phrase signifies "I respond to Your call, O Allah, I respond." The repetition denotes persistence, readiness, and fervent obedience. The scholar Ibn al-Qayyim stated it expresses continuous response and submission to the divine command.
"Labbaika la sharika laka labbaik": Meaning "Here I am, You have no partner, here I am." This is a declaration of pure Tawhid (monotheism), explicitly negating any form of shirk (associating partners with Allah) from the very outset of the sacred journey.
"Innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk": "Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty." Here the pilgrim acknowledges that all forms of praise are due to Allah alone, all blessings originate from Him, and absolute dominion belongs solely to His Majesty.
"La sharika lak": The concluding affirmation "You have no partner" reinforces the fundamental Islamic doctrine of Allah's absolute oneness, serving as the spiritual foundation upon which the entire pilgrimage is built.
Spiritual Significance and Rulings
Imam an-Nawawi commented that the Talbiyah encapsulates the essence of worship and servitude. It is recommended (mustahabb) to raise one's voice when reciting it for men, while women should recite it in a lowered voice. The continuous repetition throughout the pilgrimage rites serves to maintain the pilgrim's spiritual focus and consciousness of Divine presence.
Reference
This commentary is based on classical scholarly works including those of Ibn Qudamah in "al-Mughni", Ibn al-Qayyim in "Zad al-Ma'ad", and an-Nawawi in "Sharh Sahih Muslim". The foundational hadith is documented in Sunan an-Nasa'i 2748 from The Book of Hajj of Sunan an-Nasa'i.