Mistakes in Throwing the Pebbles

08/09/2010| IslamWeb

·        Some pilgrims wash the pebbles before throwing them.

This is not from the Sunnah (tradition); rather, it is an innovated matter in religion.

·        Throwing the pebbles of the three Jamrahs (pillars) during the Days of Tashreeq before the sun declines from the middle of the sky.

This is impermissible because the Prophet, , threw the pebbles only after the sun had declined. If it were permissible to throw the pebbles before the declination of the sun, the Prophet, , would have done so or directed to it because it is easier for the pilgrim. It is permissible for the pilgrim who is unable to throw the pebbles after the declination, to delay it to the afternoon or the evening.

·        Some pilgrims wrongly believe that with throwing the pebbles they are stoning the devil.

This is an invalid belief. Rather, the rationale behind throwing the pebbles is obeying Allah The Almighty as well as mentioning and remembering Him. It was narrated on the authority of ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, that she said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah saying:'Tawaaf, Sa‘y and throwing the pebbles have been prescribed to establish the remembrance of Allah The Exalted.’" [Ahmad]

·        Throwing all the pebbles at once.

Rather, the pilgrim is required to throw the seven pebbles, one by one. Consequently, if the pilgrim threw all the pebbles at once, this would not free him from liability and it would be counted as if he had thrown only one pebble.

·        Some pilgrims are careless and do not make sure that the pebbles land in the pit around the Jamrahs.

Throwing the pebbles is not valid in such a case. Rather, one is required to throw the pebbles according to the manner approved by the  Sharee‘ah (Islamic legislation).

·        Some pilgrims do not think it is permissible to use the pebbles that are thrown before. This is a mistake, because it is permissible to do so.

·        Some pilgrims think that hitting the pillar which is located at the middle of the pit is a condition for a valid throwing of pebbles. This is not true.

·        Some pilgrims put the pebbles on the pit without throwing. This is against the Sunnah and it is not considered throwing.

·        Throwing more than seven pebbles at each Jamrah.

·        Abusing, cursing and shouting when the pebbles are thrown.

This contradicts the guidance of the Prophet, , at all times. Consequently, prohibiting such actions in this great ritual of worship is worthier.  It was narrated on the authority of Qudaamah ibn ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Ammaar, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said, "I saw the Prophet on the day of Nahr (the 10^th day of Thul-Hijjah) throwing the pebbles at the Jamrah of Al-‘Aqbah riding on a reddish camel. He neither beat, nor cursed nor crowded." [Ahmad and At-Tirmithi]

·        Throwing things other than pebbles, such as shoes, pieces of wood, etc.

This is a grave mistake and violates both the action and the command of the Prophet, . The Prophet, , threw the pebbles, commanded Muslims to do the same and warned them against committing excess in religion. The reason behind this grave mistake is some people's belief that they are stoning the devil.

·        Throwing the pebbles of the Sughra (small) and Wusta  (middle) Jamrahs on the day of ‘Eed.

Rather, it is obligatory to only throw the pebbles of the Jamrah of Al-‘Aqabah on that day.

·        Crowding and pushing others when one throws the pebbles.

This is a mistake. Rather, one is required to be gentle with his Muslim brothers, particularly in that place.

·        Some pilgrims delegate others to throw pebbles on their behalf although they are able to do it themselves.

This contradicts the command of Allah The Almighty to complete the Hajj. Allah The Exalted Says (what means): {And complete the Hajj and ‘Umrah for Allah.} [Quran 2:196] One who is able to throw the pebbles is required to do so by himself and endure the hardship and tiredness. That is because performing Hajj is a type of Jihaad (struggle) which inevitably implies tiredness and hardship.

·        Some pilgrims think that the pebbles must be picked up from Muzdalifah and therefore they collect them all during the night they spend in Muzdalifah.

This is a mistake. The correct practice, however, is that these pebbles can be  collected from any place.

·        Using very small or very big pebbles.

The correct, however, is that these pebbles should be of a middle size, bigger than the chickpea and smaller than the hazelnut.

·        Some pilgrims do not say Takbeer (saying Allah-u-Akbar (Allah Is The Greatest)) when throwing the pebbles. Saying Takbeer is an act of the Sunnah which should not be neglected.

·        Continuing saying Talbiyah after throwing the pebbles at the Jamrah of Al-‘Aqabah.

This is a mistake. The correct action, is that the pilgrim has to stop Talbiyah after throwing the pebbles at the Jamrah of Al-‘Aqabah on the day of ‘Eed. It was narrated on the authority of Al-Fadhl ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, , continued repeating Talbiyah until he threw the pebbles at the Jamrah of Al-‘Aqabah.

·        Although it is permissible to throw the pebbles at other times, some pilgrims insist on doing so at the time of the declination of the sun. In doing so, one exposes himself as well as others to danger.