What is the importance of the sacred chant, “Talbih, oh Allah I am here!”? Why does it make the pilgrims weep incessantly? The phrase sums up the struggle of a believer as he marches towards the House of Allah. Let’s find out more about this recitation.
The Meaning of “Talbih, Oh Allah I am here”
This Talbiyah is part of the larger Talbiyah that pilgrims recite when they assume Ihram. When they proclaim, “Oh Allah I am here,” they affirm their complete submission to Allah. Those whom Allah invites gain this sacred privilege to perform Hajj or Umrah. Therefore, it is a kind of announcement that they have arrived in the holy lands to perform the pilgrimage. By reciting the Talbiyah loud and passionately, they display their pleasure, gratitude, and readiness to devote themselves to Allah, leaving behind their worldly affairs.
Another important implication of Talbiyah is the affirmation that Allah is the only God, the only One worthy of worship, and the Sole Owner of everything that has ever existed or will exist. Thus, Allah alone has the power and authority to provide, sustain, and make things happen.
The reason why pilgrims weep as they recite this Talbiyah is that they realize how ungrateful and misled they have been in their lives. They feel ashamed to come to Allah’s House with so much baggage of sins. Hence, they recite Talbiyah to express their eagerness to change themselves and take a fresh new start. They wish for Allah’s divine mercy and forgiveness. They declare their pledge to Allah that they will be ready to serve Allah’s cause and lead a life according to Islam.
History of the Talbiyah for Umrah and Hajj
The history of Talbiyah dates back to the beloved prophet of Allah, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Allah tested Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) several times. One of these tests was to leave his wife and child Ismael (AS) in the lands of Arabia. It was nothing but barren and deserted land at that time. But Allah planned to fill this barren land with abundant blessings, and most importantly, send his beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
When Allah ordered Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to build the Kabah, he commanded him to call the people to the House of Allah. Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) was alone over there at that time. However, Allah made people answer his call for centuries, till the Day of Judgement as the Muslims recite Talbiyah.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also followed the sunnah of his forefather, Ibrahim (AS). When he was on his way to perform the Farewell Pilgrimage, angel Jibreel (AS) brought Allah’s command to ask the companions and followers to recite Talbiyah loudly. Therefore, men started chanting the divine phrase loudly, while women kept their voices low. This was to establish the authority of Islam as the only true religion, and Allah as the only True God.
The Reward for Reciting the Talbiyah
Recitation of Talbiyah is one of the most beloved acts of pilgrims in the eyes of Allah. According to a hadith, it is one of the acts that cools Allah’s wrath. When a person recites Talbiyah, Allah forgives his sins and makes him as pure as a newborn baby. It purifies the person’s heart of all the greed and evil in the world. It makes him contented and peaceful so that he may lead a life according to Islamic principles, without going astray. It strengthens the bond with Allah. Therefore, the “Talbih, Oh Allah I am here” is a lot more than just a phrase.
Recitation of Talbiyah in Routine Life
Those who cannot perform Hajj or Umrah due to financial or physical incapabilities can reap the benefits and rewards through the recitation of Talbiyah. Muslims around the world should maximize this recitation during the Hajj days to show solidarity with the Muslim brothers performing the pilgrimage and become part of those pledging to devote themselves to Allah.
Other than this, it is a healthy habit of reciting Talbiyah in routine life. It strengthens the faith of a Muslim. It makes him believe sincerely that everything, good or bad, is from Allah. Therefore, we must not be arrogant over good things, nor feel remorseful about bad things. We must be grateful to Allah and always seek his support and pleasure.
Last Words
“Talbih, oh Allah I am here” is a proclamation of faith. It makes a person more pious, conscious about his conduct, and overall more positive in life. Therefore, recite the blissful phrase and gain Allah’s approval.
