"Part of the Talbiyah of the Messenger of Allah was 'Labbaika Allahumma labbbaik, Labbaika la sharika laka labbaik, Innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, (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)"
The Book of Hajj - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2751
This commentary examines the sacred Talbiyah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as preserved in Sunan an-Nasa'i, one of the six canonical hadith collections.
Linguistic Analysis of Talbiyah
"Labbaika" derives from the root "l-b-b" meaning the essence or core, signifying complete response and presence. The repetition emphasizes earnestness and immediacy in answering Allah's call.
"Allahumma" is the vocative form addressing Allah with utmost reverence and intimacy, combining the divine name Allah with the particle of calling.
Theological Significance
"La sharika laka" (You have no partner) establishes pure tawhid, rejecting all forms of shirk during the most sacred journey. This declaration cleanses the intention from worldly attachments.
The triple repetition of "Labbaika" mirrors the pilgrim's spiritual state: first response to the call, renewed commitment during rituals, and final surrender at journey's end.
Spiritual Dimensions
"Innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk" acknowledges all praise, blessings, and sovereignty belong exclusively to Allah. This recognizes divine favor in enabling the pilgrimage.
Scholars note this formulation contains the essence of Islamic creed: Allah's oneness (tawhid), gratitude for blessings (shukr), and recognition of divine authority (rububiyyah).
Practical Implementation
The Talbiyah should be recited with conscious presence of heart, not merely as ritual words. Each repetition should deepen the pilgrim's awareness of standing before the Divine.
Classical scholars recommend varying the tone between audible and soft recitation to maintain spiritual attentiveness throughout the pilgrimage rites.