This is a translation of the detailed report of the Prophet’s pilgrimage as given by Jabir ibn Abdullah, one of his young companions on whose authority a large number of the Noble Prophet’s pronouncements are transmitted by the most authentic of compilers.

   This report forms the basis of many of the rulings and opinions given by the different schools of thought with regard to pilgrimage and its practices and duties.   Phrases given in parenthesis are explanatory additions.  

            Allah’s Messenger, peace be on him, stayed (in Madinah) nine years without performing the pilgrimage.  In his tenth year in Madinah it was announced to all people that Allah’s Messenger will perform the pilgrimage.  Many people flocked to Madinah seeking to follow the guidance of Allah’s Messenger and to do like him.  

            We went out with him until we arrived at Dhul-Hulaifah where Asmaa’ bint Umais gave birth to Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr.  She sent a message to the Prophet asking what she should do (considering that she would be in her post-natal period).  She can then go into Ihram.   The Prophet offered his prayers at the mosque there and mounted his she-camel, Al-Qasswaa’.  When his she-camel was well into the desert, I looked up and saw all around me people walking on foot, or riding animals, accompanying him.  I could not see the end of them either in front or on the right or on the left or in the rear.  

            The Prophet was with us, receiving Qur’anic revelations, the interpretation of which he knew very well.  Whatever he did, we did likewise.  He raised his voice with phrases stressing Allah’s unity: “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk La Shareeka Laka Labbayk. Innal Hamda Wanne’mata Laka walmulk, La Shareeka Laka”.   People raised their voices with whatever praises they wished to repeat, and the Prophet did not take exception to any of it.  He, however, maintained his own mode of “Talbiyah”.