Telbiye

What Does Telbiye Mean in Detail?

The Telbiye is among the most recognizable sounds of the Hac — a rhythmic, heartfelt chant that rises from millions of hacilar simultaneously, creating an atmosphere of profound spiritual unity. The full text, as transmitted from Hz. Peygamber Muhammad (sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem), 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 haci begins reciting the Telbiye upon entering the state of ihram at the miqat and continues to repeat it throughout the journey — while walking, riding, ascending hills, descending into valleys, after each namaz, and upon meeting other hacilar. For Hac hacilar, the Telbiye is recited until the stoning of Cemerat al-Aqabah on the morning of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. For Umre hacilar, it is recited until the beginning of tavaf. Men recite it aloud; women recite it in a voice audible to themselves. The Telbiye traces its origins to the call of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem). After building the Kabe with his son Ismail, Allah commanded Ibrahim: 'And proclaim to the people the Hac; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass' (Kur'an 22:27). The Telbiye is humanity's ongoing response to that ancient divine summons. Some companions of Hz. Peygamber, 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).