Hajj: Its Pillars and Obligations

Hajj — the pilgrimage to Mecca — is the fifth pillar of Islam, obligatory once in a lifetime on every Muslim who has the physical and financial means to perform it. Ibn Uthaymin's treatment of hajj in al-Sharh al-Mumti' is among the most extensive sections of the work, reflecting both the complexity of the rite and its supreme importance. The Quranic command is unequivocal: "Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by all people who are able to find a way to it" (Al 'Imran 3:97).

The miqat — the boundary points at which ihram must be assumed — is the starting point for the physical hajj. Ibn Uthaymin explains the five spatial miqats established by the Prophet for those approaching Mecca from different directions: Dhul-Hulayfah (for those coming from Madinah, the farthest miqat), al-Juhfah (from the north and west), Qarn al-Manazil (from the east, the miqat for Najd and the Gulf), Yalamlam (from the south, the miqat for Yemen), and Dhat 'Irq (from Iraq). He notes that for those already inside the miqat or living in Mecca itself, their miqat is their own location, and for Mecca residents performing hajj, they assume ihram from within the Haram.

Ihram — the state of ritual consecration — is the first pillar of hajj. It is assumed by making the intention for hajj and, for men, wearing the two unsewn garments (izar and rida') while abstaining from the prohibitions of ihram. The prohibitions of ihram for men include: wearing sewn garments, covering the head, using perfume, trimming the hair or nails, hunting land animals, and sexual intimacy. Ibn Uthaymin explains the evidences for each prohibition and the penalties (fidyah) for violating them, whether deliberately or by forgetfulness.

The pillars of hajj are: ihram, standing at Arafah (wuquf), tawaf al-ifadah (the circumambulation of the Kaabah performed after coming down from Arafah), and sa'y (the walking between Safa and Marwa). Of these, the wuquf at Arafah on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah is the cornerstone: the Prophet said, "Hajj is Arafah." Ibn Uthaymin explains that the wuquf must occur during the time period — from the beginning of the afternoon until dawn of the 10th — and that even a brief presence at Arafah during this window suffices. Missing Arafah entirely invalidates the hajj.

The obligations (wajibat) of hajj are distinct from the pillars: omitting them does not invalidate the hajj but requires a dam (compensatory sacrifice). They include: assuming ihram from the proper miqat, staying at Muzdalifah overnight, throwing pebbles at the three jamarahs over the days of Tashreeq, shaving or trimming the hair after the sacrifice, performing tawaf al-wada' (the farewell circumambulation) before leaving Mecca, and performing the sa'y after tawaf. Ibn Uthaymin distinguishes these from the supererogatory acts (sunan) that are recommended but carry no penalty if omitted, helping students understand the three-tier structure of hajj requirements.