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The Stoning of the Devil, known in Arabic as Ramy al-Jamarat (literally "throwing of the pebbles"), is a deeply symbolic and obligatory ritual of the Hajj pilgrimage. It takes place in Mina, a city east of Mecca, where pilgrims throw pebbles at three wall-like structures (formerly pillars) called Jamarat. This act commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) unwavering obedience to Allah when he was tempted by Satan (Shaitan) to disobey God's command. Understanding the symbolism and correct practice of Ramy is essential for all pilgrims, including those performing Hajj Badal (also referred to as Badal Hajj, Hajje Badal, or Proxy Hajj), as this rite must be executed precisely.
The ritual reenacts Prophet Ibrahim's steadfastness in the face of temptation. According to Islamic tradition, when Allah commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail, Satan appeared to Ibrahim three times to try and dissuade him from carrying out God's will. Each time, Ibrahim rejected Satan's whispers by pelting him with stones, as guided by Angel Jibril (Gabriel). The three Jamarat mark the locations where these temptations occurred. By stoning these pillars, pilgrims symbolically reject Satan, their own inner temptations, and reaffirm their commitment to obeying Allah. It is a powerful act of spiritual warfare against evil and a declaration of allegiance to God.
The stoning ritual spans several days:
On this day, after returning from Muzdalifah to Mina, pilgrims stone only the largest Jamarah, known as Jamarat al-Aqabah (or the Big Jamarah). Seven pebbles are thrown, one by one, while reciting "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest) with each throw. After this stoning, pilgrims performing certain types of Hajj (like Tamattu or Qiran) proceed to offer their animal sacrifice (Qurbani/Nahr), and then shave (Halq) or trim (Taqsir) their hair, which marks a partial release from the state of Ihram.
On each of these two days, pilgrims must stone all three Jamarat, starting with the smallest (Jamarat al-Ula or al-Sughra), then the middle one (Jamarat al-Wusta), and finally the largest (Jamarat al-Aqabah). Seven pebbles are thrown at each Jamarah. It is customary to make Dua (supplication) after stoning the first and second Jamarat, facing the Qibla.
Pilgrims who choose to stay in Mina for an additional day must perform the Ramy again on the 13th, stoning all three Jamarat in the same manner. Those who leave Mina after the 12th are not required to do this.
The pebbles used for the stoning are traditionally collected at Muzdalifah on the night before the first Ramy, though they can also be gathered in Mina. Each pebble should be roughly the size of a fava bean or chickpea. It is important that the pebbles hit the Jamarah structure or fall within the designated basin surrounding it.
For someone performing Hajj Badal, the Ramy ritual must be carried out with the same precision and intention. The proxy pilgrim collects the pebbles and performs the stoning on behalf of the individual they represent, ensuring all conditions are met. This includes the number of pebbles, the correct Jamarat stoned on the correct days, and the proper timing (Ramy on the 11th, 12th, and 13th is typically done after Zawwal - midday).
The act of Ramy in Proxy Hajj signifies that the beneficiary, through their representative, is also participating in this symbolic rejection of evil and affirmation of faith. Given the crowds and physical demands of Ramy, it is one of the rites where competence and diligence on the part of the Hajje Badal performer are particularly crucial. Successful completion of Ramy is vital for the validity of the Hajj. This ritual, along with other core components of Hajj and the lesser pilgrimage Umrah (which does not include Ramy, but like Hajj can be done by proxy as Badal Umrah or Proxy Umrah), underscores a commitment to follow the prophetic tradition and overcome personal weaknesses.
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