“Never does a person raise his voice with the Talbiyah (Ahalla) except that he is given glad tidings, and never does a person utter the Takbīr (Kabbara) except that he is given glad tidings.” It was asked, 'O Messenger of Allah, glad tidings of Paradise?' He replied, 'Yes.'”
Narrated by al-Ṭabarānī in al-Awsat (no. 7779) and al-Kabīr (no. 974), from the ḥadīth of Abū Hurayrah—may Allah be pleased with him.
Authenticated in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Jāmiʿ (no. 5569) and Ṣaḥīḥ al-Targhīb wa al-Tarhīb (no. 1137).
Brief Explanation of the Hadith
Allah, the Exalted, legislated the pronouncement of the Talbiyah and the Takbīr in Hajj and ʿUmrah, making them among their manifest symbols, a declaration of monotheism, and a fulfillment of His command. They are among the most exalted of remembrances and carry the greatest reward.
In this ḥadīth, the Prophet—may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him—clarifies the virtue of pronouncing the Talbiyah and the Takbīr, saying: “No one who pronounces the opening Talbiyah has ever done so, nor has any one who pronounces the Takbīr ever done so, except that he is given glad tidings.”
The Talbiyah is raising the voice in the proclamation of ‘Labbayka Allāhumma Labbayk,’ a declaration of monotheism and a response to the command of Allah, the Exalted. As for the Takbīr, it is saying ‘Allāhu Akbar,’ which involves glorifying Allah, exalting Him, and manifesting His greatness.
And his statement, “except that he is given glad tidings”—he was asked about this glad tidings: “Is it of Paradise?” He said, “Yes.” This is an explicit text affirming that the one who pronounces the Talbiyah or the Takbīr is given glad tidings of Paradise, particularly during Hajj and ʿUmrah, although it has been said that this applies at all times.
The Takbīr is prescribed at all times, and it is emphasized during the state of Ihrām. As for the Talbiyah, it is specific to the state of Ihrām, beginning from the moment of assuming Ihrām and ending with the stoning of the Jamrah al-ʿAqabah on the Day of Sacrifice. It has also been said that it is prescribed at all times.
In the ḥadīth is the virtue of pronouncing the Talbiyah and the Takbīr, and the glad tidings of Paradise for those who do so. It also indicates the permissibility of raising the voice with them, as a manifestation of monotheism and glorification of Allah, the Exalted.