With the Hajj season approaching this year, many are wondering what are the pillars of Hajj. While Hajj is a spiritual journey through which Muslims draw closer to Allah Almighty, there are essential pillars and conditions that must be fulfilled correctly for the Hajj to be valid. Therefore, in this guide, we will explain in detail what are the pillars of Hajj, defining each one thoroughly.
What are the Essential Pillars of Hajj?
Scholars agree that Hajj has four pillars without which it is invalid. These are, in order:
- Ihram (state of ritual consecration)
- Standing at Arafat
- Tawaf al-Ifadah (circumambulation of the Kaaba)
- Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa)
These four pillars are the foundations of Hajj, and the Hajj is not valid without them. If any one of these pillars is omitted, the Hajj is invalid.
The Difference Between the Pillars and Obligations of Hajj
It is worth noting that Hajj has pillars and obligations. Understanding both in detail helps pilgrims perform the Hajj rituals correctly without neglecting any pillar or condition. The distinction between them can be summarized as follows:
- Pillars of Hajj: If any of the four pillars is omitted, the entire Hajj is invalid, and no expiation is sufficient.
- Obligations of Hajj: If any of the obligations is omitted, expiation, such as sacrificing a sheep, is sufficient, but the Hajj is not invalidated.
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The Pillar of Ihram: How does a pilgrim begin their rituals correctly?
Ihram refers to the intention to enter into the rituals of Hajj or Umrah according to the designated Miqat for each country.
How to Enter Ihram
Ihram is performed according to the following method:
- Taking a bath and cleaning clothes
- Wearing the Ihram garments designated for men and women
- Intention to enter the rituals
- Reciting the Talbiyah: “Labbayk Allahumma Hajjan”
Prohibitions of Ihram
- Not cutting hair or nails
- Avoiding perfumes
- Abstaining from prohibited acts of Ihram such as marriage or hunting
Standing at Arafat: Why is it the greatest pillar of Hajj?
Standing at Arafat means going to Mount Arafat and standing on it, even for a few minutes, at the appointed time. It is one of the most important pillars of Hajj, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Hajj is Arafat.”
How to Stand Correctly
- Being within the boundaries of Arafat
- Reciting supplications and Takbir frequently
- Praying and remembering Allah
- Not being distracted by anything other than worship
Tawaf al-Ifadah: Its Conditions and Steps in Detail
Tawaf al-Ifadah is the circumambulation performed after standing at Arafat and before throwing pebbles at Jamrat al-Aqaba. It is a pillar of Hajj, and if it is omitted, the entire Hajj is invalidated.
Conditions for Tawaf al-Ifadah
Here are the most important conditions that must be met for Tawaf al-Ifadah:
- Purity from major ritual impurity
- Covering the private parts
- Starting the Tawaf from the Black Stone
- Completing seven full circuits
You can read more articles: When do the Hajj rituals begin?
Common Mistakes
There are mistakes you should avoid during Tawaf to perform Hajj perfectly, which are as follows:
- Performing Tawaf without ablution
- Performing Tawaf against the direction of prayer
- Not completing the seven circuits
Sa’i between Safa and Marwa: How to Perform It and Its Rulings
Sa’i in Arabic means walking, and in Hajj it means walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times, with the pilgrim starting each circuit from Safa and ending at Marwa.
How to Perform Sa’i
Here is the correct way to perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwa:
- Starting from Safa
- Walking to Marwa
- Counting the outward and return circuits as one circuit, so that the Sa’i is completed with seven circuits
Tips for Performing Sa’i
- Drinking water before starting
- Wearing comfortable shoes
- Not rushing
What is the ruling for someone who omits one of the pillars of Hajj?
The pillars of Hajj are the essential elements of the pilgrimage. Forgetting any pillar or failing to perform it correctly is unforgivable, as it invalidates the Hajj and necessitates repeating it as soon as possible.
However, if there is still time to perform the pillar within its designated time, it can be done. For example, if a pilgrim forgets to stand at Arafat and there is still time to perform it before sunset, even if only for a few minutes, it can be done, and the Hajj remains valid.
Therefore, we always emphasize the importance of understanding the pillars of Hajj and how to perform them correctly to avoid any mistakes.
What are some common mistakes pilgrims make when performing the pillars of Hajj?
Understanding what are the pillars of Hajj in detail helps pilgrims perform the rituals perfectly without making any mistakes. However, there may be misconceptions or common errors that pilgrims make, including:
Mistakes during Ihram:
- Not clearly stating the intention for Ihram
- Passing the Miqat without entering Ihram
- Using perfume after entering Ihram
- Some may believe that entering Ihram prevents bathing
Mistakes during Arafat:
- Unintentionally leaving the boundaries of Arafat
- Being distracted by taking photos and talking
- Leaving Arafat before sunset (for those who arrived during the day)
- Lack of calm and discipline
Mistakes during Tawaf al-Ifadah:
- Performing Tawaf without ritual purity
- Starting from the wrong place
- Rushing excessively due to crowds
- Touching the corners of the Kaaba due to overcrowding
- Forgetting the number of circuits
Mistakes during Sa’i between Safa and Marwa:
- Not starting Sa’i from Safa
- Stopping Sa’i before completing seven circuits
- Running the entire distance
- Not performing Sa’i in the proper order after Tawaf al-Ifadah
- Walking at an excessive speed while exhausted
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Conclusion
Hajj is a great act of worship that requires precision and care, performed correctly. Therefore, understanding what are the pillars of Hajj essential for every pilgrim to avoid any mistakes during this spiritual journey and increases the chances of its acceptance by Allah Almighty.
FAQs
What are the four pillars of Hajj?
Ihram (state of ritual consecration), standing at Arafat, Tawaf al-Ifadah (circumambulation of the Kaaba), and Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa).
Is Hajj valid without standing at Arafat?
No, it is not valid, and the Hajj is invalid. The pilgrim must repeat the Hajj as soon as possible, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Hajj is Arafat.”
Can sacrificing Sa’i be compensated for?
No, it is not. The Hajj is completely invalid once the time for performing the pillar has passed.
What is the difference between the pillars of Hajj and the obligations of Hajj?
If a pillar of Hajj is omitted, the entire Hajj is invalid. If one of the obligatory acts of Hajj is omitted, it must be compensated for by offering a sacrifice.
Is there a specific order for the Sa’i (ritual walking) between Safa and Marwa?
Yes, all circuits must begin at Mount Safa and end at Mount Marwa.
Is it permissible to delay the Tawaf al-Ifadah (circumambulation of the Kaaba)?
It is permissible, but it is not permissible to leave Mecca before performing it.
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