From ihram until the start of tawaf, repeat the talbiya often: on the plane, on the bus, at the hotel, while walking. Men raise their voice, women keep it low. Say it together or alone, with no set rhythm.
Educational guide. If in doubt, ask your guide or a scholar.
Supplications
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Labbayka Llāhumma labbayk, labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk, inna l-ḥamda wa-n-niʿmata laka wa-l-mulk, lā sharīka lak
Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Praise, grace and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.
Bukhari 1549, Muslim 1184 (talbiya)
Common mistakes
- Stopping the talbiya as soon as you leave the plane: it continues until the start of tawaf.
- Chanting it mechanically without understanding its meaning.
What if…
I cannot memorise the Arabic?
Read it from your phone or repeat after the guide; the meaning matters as much as the wording.
Checklist
- ☐ Talbiya learnt or saved
- ☐ Repeated regularly until tawaf
Sources
- Bukhari 1549, Muslim 1184 (talbiya)
All steps
- 1Forming your intention
- 2Documents and formalities
- 3Health and fitness
- 4The pilgrim’s suitcase
- 5The journey and arrival
- 6Ihram at the miqat or on board
- 7The talbiya
- 8Entering Makkah and the Sacred Mosque
- 9Tawaf: 7 circuits around the Kaaba
- 10Prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim and Zamzam water
- 11Saʿi: 7 laps between Safa and Marwa
- 12Halq or taqsir: leaving ihram
- 13Madinah: the Prophet’s Mosque and visits
- 14The return