التلبية

What Does التلبية Mean in Detail?

The التلبية is among the most recognizable sounds of the الحج — a rhythmic, heartfelt chant that rises from millions of الحجاج simultaneously, creating an atmosphere of profound spiritual unity. The full text, as transmitted from النبي Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم), is: 'Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.' This translates to: 'Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Indeed, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.' The الحاج begins reciting the التلبية upon entering the state of الإحرام at the الميقات and continues to repeat it throughout the journey — while walking, riding, ascending hills, descending into valleys, after each الصلاة, and upon meeting other الحجاج. For الحج الحجاج, the التلبية is recited until the stoning of الجمرات al-Aqabah on the morning of the 10th of ذو الحجة. For العمرة الحجاج, it is recited until the beginning of الطواف. Men recite it aloud; women recite it in a voice audible to themselves. The التلبية traces its origins to the call of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, صلى الله عليه وسلم). After building the الكعبة with his son Ismail, Allah commanded Ibrahim: 'And proclaim to the people the الحج; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass' (القرآن 22:27). The التلبية is humanity's ongoing response to that ancient divine summons. Some companions of النبي, including Abdullah ibn Umar, would add the words 'labbayka wa sa'dayk, wal-khayru bi yadayk, war-raghba'u ilayk wal-'amal' (Here I am in happiness, all good is in Your hands, and desire and action are directed to You).