Sixth: Error Related to Throwing the Pebbles:

 Some pilgrims are under the impression that when they are throwing pebbles at the Stone Pillars, they are actually throwing them at shayateen (devils); hence they hurl them with rage and force.  However, the throwing of the pebbles has been merely 

1.    prescribed as a means of remembering Allah the Most High. 

2.    Some people throw big stones, shoes or pieces of wood.  This is an excess in matters of religion which the Prophet (peace be on him) prohibited, what is allowed is to throw pebbles the size of good beans.  

3.    Crowding and fighting with others at the Pillars while throwing the pebbles is not permissible.  What is prescribed is to be gentle and to throw the pebbles without hurting anyone as much as possible.  

4.     Throwing all the pebbles at one time is an error.  Scholars have said that this would be counted as only one throw.  The Shari’ah prescribes throwing the pebbles one by one, saying “Allahu akbar” at each separate throw.  

5.   Appointing a proxy to throw the pebbles, simply due to fear of the crowds or of hardship, while one is capable of doing it himself.  Only sick or weak individuals are permitted to have a proxy for this act.