Labbayk Allah – Native Deen (Video Review)
Aside from Ramadan, the most blessed time of the year is Hajj season during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. One of the most important pillars of Islam, it is greatly recommended for Muslims to partake in the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime. Every year, at least 2 million Muslims travel to Mecca to visit the Kaaba and partake in the blessed rituals that the past Prophets and important Muslim figures went through.
From the tawaf (circumambulation)around the kaaba, to the visitation and prayer on mount Arafat, stoning the jamarat, drinking from the well of Zamzam and pacing between the hills of safa and marwah, it is a truly life changing event. For those that haven’t attended Hajj yet, there is a lifelong hope to make the journey one day by the will of Allah.
A dua that is chanted by pilgrims during the entirety of the journey is “Labbayk Allah, humma labbayk”. Translated as “Here I am [at your service] O Lord” and glorifying the creator, the prayer puts into perspective what the journey is all about; carrying out Allah’s command with hopes to be purified and forgiven.
This chant is a popular nasheed performed by Muslims from different cultures and Native Deen’s Abdul-Malik performed his own rendition in a very memorable way in a track titled “Labbayk Allah”
About The Video
“Labbayk Allah” is a song first released as an OG track by Abdul-Malik Ahmad during his time with Myna Raps under the Inner Struggle Album. It was then dusted off and remixed in 2007 by Native Deen in the Not Afraid To Stand Alone album. Native Deen then released a video for the song when Abdul-Malik went on the Hajj Pilgrimage for the very first time and captured his time there.
“Bound to the sound when the Hajis go round.
In the place where we face they put their heads to the ground.
Bowin’ in submission with conviction of steel.
It’s a feeling of peace, I someday hope I can feel”
The song is essentially a plea from a believing Muslim that is eager to go on his first trip to Hajj. In the song Abdul-Malik outlines all the rituals—from donning the ihram, stoning the jamarat to sacrificing a lamb and shaving their heads—all while rapping in a Jamaican/Rastafarian accent. Overall it’s very catchy, educational and memorable.
The video is a compilation of clips of pilgrims performing the Hajj rituals and traveling to the different landmarks and destinations the song speaks of. When the phrase “Zam Zam” is chanted, we see Abdul Malik enjoying a cup of the blessed water. The visuals of all the pilgrims partaking in the Hajj is something to behold.
Final Verdict
If you’ve never been to Hajj, seeing this up close and personal POV from Abdul-Malik (alongside the lyrics) gives you a good taste of what to expect.
The song’s chorus is catchy and something that you will find yourself eager to repeat whether you are on the journey or not. It’s also a good way to memorize the entire Talbiyah dua “labbayka -llāhumma labbayka, labbayka lā šarīka laka labbayka, ʾinna -l-ḥamda wa-n-niʿmata laka wa-l-mulka lā šarīka lak” if you didn’t know it already.
Give it a listen during the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah as Eid Al-Adha approaches.
