The Difference Between Fard and Wajib in Hajj

The following message was received from the brother listener, Muhammad Zuheir al-Rifai, from al-Madinah al-Munawwarah. He says in his message: What is the difference between fard and wajib in Hajj? And are they equal in their initial status? Please inform us, may Allah reward you.
Answer: The difference between fard and wajib is a terminological matter. The majority of scholars hold that fard and wajib are one and the same, and that fard is what is obligatory upon the servant by the Shari'ah, and wajib is likewise. Others among the scholars have said: Fard is that whose evidence is confirmed and whose proof is strong, so its obligation is more severe and stronger. Wajib is that which is less than that in terms of evidence. For example, standing at 'Arafah is fard because its evidence is immense, and it is the Hajj itself. Stoning the pillars is easier than that, even though it is wajib. So, stoning the pillars and staying overnight at Muzdalifah are called wajib, and standing at 'Arafah and the tawaf are called fard because of the greatness of their evidence and the severity of their obligation. The other opinion, that of the majority, calls everything fard and calls everything wajib. There is no dispute in this matter. However, it is certain that the obligations differ, some being more obligatory than others and having a stronger status of obligation. Standing at 'Arafah and the tawaf al-ifadah have a special status, and likewise, entering the state of ihram has a special status, unlike stoning the pillars, and unlike the tawaf of farewell, for these two are easier than that, even though all of them are obligatory. Yes.