Talbiyah: Meaning and Etiquette
The Talbiyah is the pilgrim's call, said from entering Ihram.
Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.
Meaning: "Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Indeed all praise, blessings and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner."
When to say it
Begin after the intention. In Umrah, stop when you begin Tawaf. In Hajj, continue until you throw the first pebble at Jamrat al-Aqabah on 10 Dhul Hijjah.
Etiquette
- Men raise their voices; women say it quietly enough to be heard by themselves and those close.
- Repeat it often, especially on changing places and times.
- Do not chant in a group in unison; it is not required.
- Understand it: it is a declaration of tawhid.