and others, together with the discerning scholars of speculative theology—they agreed that faith and religion consist of speech and deeds. This is the wording used by the early generations, including the Companions and others, although in some contexts “faith” may denote something distinct from deeds. Nevertheless, all righteous deeds fall within the meaning of religion and faith. Speech includes the speech of the heart and the tongue, while deeds include the actions of the heart and the limbs.
Those who expounded their doctrine explained that faith has foundations and branches, comprising pillars, obligations that are not pillars, and recommended acts. The same applies to what is denoted by Hajj, prayer, and other acts of worship. The term “Hajj” encompasses every prescribed action and abstention within it, such as entering the state of consecration, refraining from what is prohibited in that state, staying at ‘Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Minā, circling Allah’s Sacred House, and passing between the two hills flanking it, namely al-Safā and al-Marwah. Yet Hajj comprises pillars whose omission renders it invalid, such as being present at ‘Arafah.
It also requires abstaining from a prohibited act whose commission invalidates Hajj, namely sexual intercourse. It further comprises obligations involving actions and abstentions: deliberately neglecting these is sinful, and neglecting them—whether for an excuse or otherwise—requires compensation through a sacrificial offering. Examples include entering the state of consecration at the designated geographical boundaries, being present at ‘Arafah by both day and night, casting pebbles at the pillars, and similar acts; as well as refraining from ordinary clothing, perfume, hunting, and other such things.
It also comprises recommended actions and abstentions that perfect Hajj. Omitting them incurs neither sin nor a sacrificial offering. Examples include raising one’s voice in the pilgrimage invocation, repeating it frequently, leading the sacrificial animals, and remembering Allah,