Talbiyah is a devotional chant that Muslims recite during Hajj and Umrah to declare their submission and readiness to obey Allah’s call. The word “Talbiyah” comes from the Arabic root “labbā” meaning “to respond” or “to answer.”
It is essentially a pilgrim’s response to Allah’s invitation to His sacred house.
Meaning in English:
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
What is the Talbiyah in Islam?
The Talbiyah is a profound declaration made by Muslims during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. It is a sacred chant that signifies a pilgrim’s response to the divine call to the House of Allah (Kaaba). The Talbiyah begins once a pilgrim enters the state of Ihram, symbolizing complete submission and readiness to serve Allah.
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
This invocation is known as the Talbiyah, and it is one of the first verbal acts of devotion on the journey to Hajj or Umrah.
Spiritual Importance of Talbiyah
- Acceptance of Allah’s Call: Responding to the invitation of performing Hajj.
- Symbol of Unity: Recited in unison by millions of pilgrims from around the world.
- Declaration of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah): Reinforces monotheism.
“So let them respond to Me and believe in Me that they may be rightly guided.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:186)
HOW DO YOU RECITE TALBIYAH?
The recitation of Talbiyah is both a ritual and a heartfelt proclamation. It is recited frequently and audibly by pilgrims after entering Ihram, continuing throughout various rites of Hajj and Umrah.
The Talbiyah in Arabic and English
Arabic:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْك، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Transliteration:
Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk. Labbayka Laa Shareeka Laka Labbayk. Innal Hamda, Wan-Ni‘mata, Laka Wal-Mulk, Laa Shareeka Lak.
English Translation:
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, blessings, and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.”
When Should Talbiyah Be Recited?
- After entering Ihram.
- Upon boarding transport for pilgrimage.
- When passing through valleys, changing terrain.
- After each prayer during Ihram.
- When ascending or descending during travel.
Who Recites the Talbiyah?
- Men: Recite it aloud.
- Women: Recite it softly, just loud enough for themselves to hear.
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar (RA):
“The Talbiyah of the Prophet (ﷺ) was: Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk…”
(Sahih Muslim, 1184)
Read more: Health Tips for Hajj | How To Stay Healthy During Hajj 2025
WHAT IS THE DUA OF TALBIYAH?
Though Talbiyah itself is a dhikr (remembrance), it is often followed by other duas and supplications during Hajj and Umrah.
Meaning Behind Each Phrase:
- Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am” – Willingness and submission. - Labbayka Laa Shareeka Laka Labbayk
“You have no partner” – Reaffirming monotheism. - Innal Hamda Wan-Ni‘mata Laka Wal-Mulk
“Indeed, all praise, blessings and dominion belong to You” – Gratitude and humility. - Laa Shareeka Lak
“You have no partner” – Emphasis on absolute Tawheed.
Talbiyah as a Dua:
While not a traditional supplication, the Talbiyah itself embodies:
- Devotion
- Recognition of Allah’s Lordship
- Gratitude for blessings
- Acceptance of servitude
Du’as Commonly Made After Talbiyah
- Asking Allah for forgiveness.
- Du’as for ease of Hajj journey.
- Seeking acceptance of pilgrimage.
- Supplications for the Ummah and personal needs.
“Our Lord, accept from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:127)
HISTORICAL ORIGINS AND SUNNAH OF TALBIYAH
Taught by Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
The Prophet ﷺ recited and encouraged the Talbiyah. The companions followed him exactly, signifying its centrality in the Sunnah.
“Ibn Umar said: The Messenger of Allah would start the Talbiyah when he was near the mosque at Dhul-Hulayfah…”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 1549)
Echo of Ibrahim (AS)
The Talbiyah continues the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) who called humanity to Hajj.
“And proclaim to the people the Hajj…”
(Surah Al-Hajj 22:27)
BENEFITS OF RECITING TALBIYAH
1. Strengthens the Heart’s Connection with Allah
- A repeated reminder of one’s purpose and submission.
2. Increases Spiritual Presence
- Focuses the pilgrim’s mind on Allah.
3. Drives Away Worldly Distractions
- Repetition eliminates heedlessness.
4. Echoes in the Spiritual Realm
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There is no Muslim who recites the Talbiyah except that everything to his right and left – trees, stones – also recite it until the earth resounds.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 828)
TALBIYAH FOR CHILDREN AND NEW MUSLIMS
For Children:
- Can be recited by a parent or guardian on their behalf.
- Teach them its meaning and encourage them to repeat after elders.
For New Muslims:
- Learn and memorize it with transliteration.
- Understand the spiritual weight it carries.
WHEN TO STOP TALBIYAH
According to the Sunnah:
- Talbiyah continues until the start of the stoning (Ramy) at Jamrat al-Aqabah on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah.
“Ibn Abbas said: The Prophet ﷺ continued the Talbiyah until he stoned Jamrat al-Aqabah.”
(Sahih Muslim, 1284)
PEOPLE ALSO ASK (COMMON QUESTIONS)
Q: Why do Muslims say Talbiyah?
To respond to Allah’s call for Hajj, declare obedience, and express monotheism and servitude.
Q: Can Talbiyah be recited outside Hajj and Umrah?
Traditionally, it is part of Hajj and Umrah. However, some scholars permit reciting it occasionally for remembrance.
Q: Is Talbiyah in the Quran?
The exact Talbiyah phrase is not in the Quran but is from the Sunnah and aligns with Quranic principles of Tawheed.
Q: How often should Talbiyah be recited during Hajj?
It is encouraged to recite frequently, especially when changing position, after Salah, or during transitions in the journey.
Read more: What are the 7 Steps of Hajj?
CONCLUSION: THE ETERNAL CALL – LABBAYK ALLAHUMMA LABBAYK
The Talbiyah is not just a ritual chant—it’s a cry from the soul. Every word resonates with a Muslim’s declaration of servitude, loyalty, and obedience to the Creator. It is the sound of a heart answering the divine invitation, transcending languages, cultures, and continents.
Whether you’re preparing for Hajj, performing Umrah, or simply yearning for closeness to Allah, let the Talbiyah become part of your voice and heart.
