What is the meaning of the Talbiyah?
Chapter on Mentioning Ihram
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
A group of scholars holds that the meaning of the Talbiyah is an affirmation and answer to the call to Hajj made by Abraham, peace be upon him, when he was commanded to announce it to the people. A narration from Ibn Abbas relates that when Abraham finished building the Ka'bah, he was told to announce the pilgrimage; when he asked how his voice would reach, he was told to announce and Allah would convey the message. Thus, Abraham called out, and everyone between the heavens and the earth heard it. The recitation of 'Labbayk, inna al-hamda' (with the hamza of 'inna' in 'inna') is narrated, which linguistically means the praise belongs to Allah in all states. This is the view stated by Ahmad, where the kasra (breaking) of the 'Alif' in 'Inna' is superior (ajwad).
Supporting text
The narration using 'Inna' with a fatha (opening) on the 'Alif' is permissible, though the kasra is preferable. Thaalab stated that those who use the fatha have specified the praise for the reason of answering the call, whereas those who use the kasra have generalized the praise to all circumstances.