"The Talbiyah of the Messenger of Allah was: "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)." And Ibn 'Umar added: "Labbaika Labbaika wasa'daika wal-khayr fi yadika, warraghba' ilaika wal-'aml (Here I am, here I am, and at Your service; all good is in Your hands, seeking Your pleasure and striving for Your sake)."
The Book of Hajj - Sunan an-Nasa'i
A traditional commentary on the Talbiyah of Hajj and Umrah from Sunan an-Nasa'i 2750.
The Text and Its Meaning
The primary Talbiyah transmitted from the Prophet (peace be upon him) begins with "Labbaika Allahumma Labbaik" - meaning "I respond to Your call, O Allah, I respond to Your call." This repetition signifies earnest and persistent response.
"Labbaika la sharika laka labbaik" affirms pure Tawhid (monotheism) - "You have no partner" - which is the foundation of Hajj, as the pilgrim declares Allah's absolute oneness, rejecting all forms of shirk (polytheism).
Theological Significance
"Innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk" acknowledges that all praise, blessings, and dominion belong solely to Allah. This comprehensive acknowledgment encompasses gratitude for blessings and recognition of divine sovereignty.
The addition narrated from Ibn 'Umar expands upon this devotion: "Wasa'daika" means "and at Your service," indicating complete submission. "Wal-khayr fi yadika" affirms that all good is in Allah's hands alone. "Warraghba' ilaika wal-'aml" expresses earnest desire for Allah and action for His sake alone.
Legal Rulings and Practice
Scholars agree that reciting Talbiyah is a confirmed Sunnah for Hajj and Umrah. Men should recite it aloud, while women recite it softly. It begins when assuming Ihram and continues throughout the pilgrimage until the first stoning of Jamrat al-Aqabah on Eid day.
The wisdom behind Talbiyah is that it constantly reminds the pilgrim of the purpose of their journey - responding to Allah's call and affirming Tawhid, which purifies the intention and action throughout the rites of Hajj.