Stoning Of The Devil: An Important Hajj Rite In Islam

The History of Jamarat and the Stoning of the Devil

The origin of Jamarat can be traced back to the era of Prophet Ibrahim when Allah instructed him to offer his son Ishmael as a sacrifice. Just as he was about to carry out the command, Satan tried to tempt him from following Allah’s orders. During this encounter, Angel Jibraeel appeared and instructed Prophet Ibrahim to throw pebbles at Satan.

As Ibrahim departed from Mina and reached al-Aqaba, the Devil showed up at the Stone Pile of the Ravine. Gabriel (Jibraeel) advised him, ‘Throw stones at him!’ Consequently, Ibrahim threw seven stones at Satan, making him vanish.

Then the Devil reappeared at the Central Stone Pile. Once more, Gabriel guided, ‘Throw stones at him!’ Ibrahim attacked Satan with seven additional stones, causing him to vanish again.

Ultimately, Satan showed himself at the Small Stone Pile. Obeying Gabriel’s order, ‘Throw stones at him!’ Ibrahim cast seven tiny stones, similar to those employed with a slingshot, and Satan retreated from him. 

Prophet Muhammad instructed his followers to perform the stoning of the devil during the Hajj, as a way of remember and honor the actions of Prophet Ibrahim. The Hadith provides guidance on how to perform it by throwing seven pebbles at each of the three Jamarat pillars.

The Names of the Jamarat Pillars

The three pillars were originally obelisks situated in circular enclosures located in Mina, near the Jamarat Bridge outside Mecca. After the 2004 Hajj, Saudi officials replaced the pillars with walls that were 25 meters in length to improve security during the ceremony.

This alteration was intended to stop people from unintentionally hurling stones at those on the other side, as there had been numerous occurrences during the ritual previously. The distance between them has also been increased to allow better crowd movement and ease congestion in the area. So they are: 

Jamrah Sughra or Jamrah-al-Ula:

This is the smallest and first pillar, located farthest from the point of sacrifice. It is believed that Satan made his weakest efforts here. Jamarah Sughra is nearest to Masjid Al-Khafy and farthest from Makkah.

Jamrah-al-Wusta:

Jamrah-al-Wusta is the middle pillar. It was initially shaped like an obelisk but was transformed into a tall wall in 2004.

Jamrah-al-Kubra or Jamrah-al-Uqbah:

Despite being the largest one, Jamarah-al-Kubra is closest to the point of sacrifice and Makkah. Situated on the mountainside of Mina, it was reconstructed in 1956-1957 to create more space for Hajj or Umrah pilgrims to perform the ritual. Recently modified, Jamarah-al-Uqbah features a 1-meter thick wall that is 25 meters long. This is where Satan made his strongest effort to persuade Prophet Ibrahim.

Rules and Guidelines for the Stoning of the Devil

There are several rules and guidelines that Muslims must follow while performing the ritual of stoning the devil during the Hajj pilgrimage. Some of these rules include:

Timing

The stoning of the devil takes place on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijjah, which is also known as the Day of Eid al-Adha, and continues for two or three more days. Pilgrims must perform the stoning ritual within the specified time frame.

Sequence

Muslim pilgrims must follow a specific sequence when throwing stones at the Jamrah pillars. They start with Jamrat al-Ula, followed by Jamrat al-Wusta, and finally, Jamrat al-Aqaba.

Number of stones

For each of the three pillars, worshippers must throw seven small stones or pebbles, totaling 21 stones. The stones should be roughly the size of a chickpea.

Stone collection

Pilgrims must collect the stones or pebbles from Muzdalifah, an area near Mecca and between Mina and Arafat. They usually collect these stones after spending the night in Muzdalifah following the Day of Arafah.

Throwing technique

When throwing the stones at the Jamarat pillars, pilgrims should ensure they do so in a calm and orderly manner, avoiding any harm or injury to fellow pilgrims.

Intention and recitation

Before the ritual, pilgrims must make a clear intention (niyyah) to stone the devil for the sake of Allah. While throwing the stones, they should recite the Takbir, which is “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest), with each throw.

Gender and age considerations

Men, women, and children are all required to take part in the stoning ritual. However, for elderly individuals, those with physical disabilities, or women who may find it challenging to perform the ritual themselves, a proxy (such as a family member or a designated person) can perform the stoning on their behalf.

It’s important to note that the Saudi Arabian government has implemented safety measures and infrastructure, such as the Jamarat Bridge, to facilitate the smooth and safe execution of the stoning ritual during the Hajj pilgrimage. Despite the large crowds, these measures aim to ensure that all muslims can perform the ritual without causing harm or injury to themselves or others.

Stoning of the Devil: Meaning and Symbolism

The act of throwing stones at the devil is a symbolic expression of a believer’s willingness to resist temptation and follow the path of obedience.

This ritual has been performed by millions of Muslims throughout history and is based on the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad.

It’s a powerful expression of the Islamic belief in the importance of submission to Allah’s commandments, even when faced with temptation or difficulty.

Stoning of the Devil and Eid al-Adha

The stoning of the devil is closely related to the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha, which commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah’s command.

During Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world participate in the act of sacrificing an animal, usually a sheep or a goat, in a symbolic gesture of devotion and submission to Allah’s will.

Tragic Incidents of the Past in Rami al-Jamrah

Unfortunately, there have been several deadly incidents during the rami in the past few decades. The majority of these incidents were caused by stampedes, as massive crowds of pilgrims tried to perform the ritual simultaneously. Some of the most notable incidents include:

• 1994: Another stampede occurred near the Jamrah pillars, resulting in the deaths of approximately 270 pilgrims.
• 1998: At least 118 people died and more than 180 were injured in a stampede during the stoning ritual in Mina.
• 2004: A stampede during the stoning of the devil ritual resulted in the deaths of at least 244 pilgrims, with hundreds more injured.
• 2006: Another tragic accident occurred during the rami, resulting in the death of at least 346 pilgrims and injuring around 289 others. 

Safety Measures Taken by the Saudi Arabian Government

In response to these tragic incidents, the Saudi Arabian government has made significant efforts to improve safety and crowd management during the Hajj pilgrimage in the city of Mecca. Some of the measures taken include:

Construction of the Jamarat Bridge

Originally built in 1963, the bridge has been expanded several times. In 2006, a multi-level pedestrian bridge was constructed, allowing pilgrims to perform the stoning ritual on different levels, thus reducing congestion.

Expansion of the Jamarat area

The whole area has been expanded to accommodate a larger number of pilgrims and ease the flow of the crowd.

Crowd control measures

The Saudi authorities have implemented strict crowd control measures, such as timed entry permits for specific groups of pilgrims, to ensure a more orderly flow of people.

Improved infrastructure and transportation

Better transportation facilities, roads, and pedestrian walkways have been developed to facilitate the movement of pilgrims between the various Hajj sites.

Enhanced emergency services

The Saudi government has increased the number of medical personnel, security personnel, and volunteers on site to help manage the crowds and respond to emergencies during the Hajj pilgrimage.

These measures have been successful in reducing the number of incidents in recent years. However, the Hajj pilgrimage remains a complex event to manage, given the vast number of pilgrims who participate each year. Ensuring the safety of all pilgrims continues to be a top priority for the Saudi Arabian government.