the strongest part. It is what we call a corner, and it is the strongest part of a wall. It is called a rukn because its parts support one another where the two ends of the wall meet; for the strongest side of a thing is called a rukn.

His statement, “ihram”: This is the first pillar. We have previously explained that ihram is the intention to enter the rite, not the wearing of ihram garments. A person may intend to enter the rite and thus be in ihram even while wearing his shirt and lower garment; and he is not in ihram merely by wearing the lower and upper garments if he has not made the intention.

The place of intention is the heart. Thus, one enters the rite when he intends to enter it. But one must distinguish between someone who intends to perform Hajj and someone who intends to enter into Hajj. The latter is the pillar. As for one who merely intends to perform Hajj, he has not entered ihram, so this has no connection to the pillar. A person may intend to perform Hajj in Ramadan, Rajab, or even earlier than that, yet we do not say that he has undertaken the rite, entered into it, or entered ihram.

Is any verbal utterance required along with the intention? The correct view is that it is not required.

Some scholars have said that the talbiyah must accompany the intention, making the talbiyah analogous to the opening takbir in prayer.

The evidence that ihram is a pillar is the saying of the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him: “Actions are only by intentions, and every person shall have only what he intended” (1).

His statement, “and standing”: This is the second pillar, that is, standing at Arafah, due to the Prophet’s saying, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him: “Hajj is Arafah” (2), and Allah’s saying: “Then, when you depart from