Explanation

Seven stones are thrown at each of the three pillars to commemorate Ibrahim’s rejection of Satan. Rami al-Jamarat (Arabic: رمي الجمرات; meaning “stoning of the Jamarat”), sometimes referred to as the “Stoning of the Devil” is a rite carried out by Hajj pilgrims whereby small pebbles are thrown at three stone structures in Mina. The act of throwing stones at the Jamarat is known as “Rami”. The Significance of Rami al-Jamarat The ritual of Rami is a symbolic reenactment of the actions of Ibrahim S when he was faced with the trial of having to sacrifice his son, Ismail S (other narrations mention it was Ishaq S). In a dream, Ibrahim was commanded to perform the sacrifice to which he responded with unwavering reliance and trust in the will of Allah. On the way to carry out the commandment, Shaytan repeatedly sought to tempt him into ignoring the command. As Ibrahim reached Jamarah al-Aqaba (i.e. the location where Jamarah al-Aqaba is today), Shaytan attempted to dissuade him. Ibrahim, who was accompanied by Jibril S, was instructed by the archangel to throw seven stones at Shaytan. He obliged and Shaytan fled immediately. Ibrahim then went to Jamarah al-Wusta where Shaytan appeared again. Ibrahim once again threw stones at him and Shaytan fled. He then went to Jamarah al-Ula where Shaytan appeared. Ibrahim threw stones at him once more which led to Shaytan fleeing for the third and final time. Each time, he resisted temptation, remaining steadfast in his intention to do as he was commanded. As Ibrahim was preparing to sacrifice his son, he was spared from having to carry out the command at the last moment and was provided with a sacrificial animal as a substitute. The Jamarat (Pillars) An aerial view of the JamaratAn aerial view of the Jamarat There are three Jamarat which are known as: Jamarah al-Aqaba or Jamarah al-Kubra (the big pillar). Jamarah al-Wusta (the medium or middle pillar). Jamarah al-Ula or al-Sugra (the small pillar). The distance between the first and second pillars is about 150 metres and the distance between the second and third pillars is about 120 metres. The Jamarat indicate the three places where Shaytan tried to dissuade Ibrahim S from carrying out the divine instruction that he had received. Therefore, the pillars are not the actual Shaytan as some are led to believe, but mark the places where Ibrahim was tested by the whisperings of Shaytan.