Why Stoning Jamarat Is Necessary?

Performing Hajj once in a whole life is compulsory for Muslims who are physically, mentally and monetarily able to bear the expenses of Hajj. Stoning Jamarat is one of the main rites of Hajj without performing which Hajj remains incomplete. Muslims perform Hajj with family or book family cheap Umrah packages to perform Umrah instead of Hajj in other months. But Stoning Jamarat is only the rite of Hajj not of Umrah.

What is meant by stoning of Jamarat?

Stoning of Jamarat is the name of throwing stones at three pillars at the occasion of Hajj on Eid-ul-Adha. Muslims are ordered to throw stones at three pillars as it is the order of Allah and His Rasool. This act of throwing stones is the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim. Repetition of this act of Hazrat Ibrahim is called Stoning of Jamarat.

Background of Stoning Jamarat:

Hazrat Ibrahim was ordered in his dream to sacrifice his son for Allah. Satan at three places tried to distract both of them when they were going to accomplish the order of Allah. Hazrat Ibrahim threw seven stones each time Satan appeared to him. He disappeared when Hazrat Ibrahim threw stones at him and in the end, Hazrat Ibrahim was succeeded in the test taken by Allah.

Names of three pillars:

Following are the names of three pillars where stones are thrown:

1. Al-Aqaba pillar
2. Al-Wusta pillar
3. Al-Soughra pillar

Satan appeared to Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Ismail at these three pillars and tried to detract both of them. He asked Hazrat Ismail not to go with his father because he was going to sacrifice him. On the other hand, he asked Hazrat Ibrahim not to take his son to sacrifice as a father. He played with the emotions of both of them. But Hazrat Ibrahim didn’t hear to him. He threw stones at Satan and he disappeared at these three pillars respectively.  

Is Satan present in these three pillars?

Satan is not present in these three pillars but as it appeared to Hazrat Ibrahim at these three places, Allah has made it compulsory for Muslims to throw stones at these three pillars. Allah liked this act of Hazrat Ibrahim and wanted to keep it alive till the Day of Judgment. So, Allah has ordered all the Muslims for Stoning Jamarat. Muslims throw stones only in the commemoration of act of Hazrat Ibrahim.

Stoning the Jamarat is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad:

Prophet Muhammad also threw stones at Jamarat while performing Hajj. He also liked this act of Hazrat Ibrahim and repeated it in his Hajj. Muslims love the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad and easily accept the acts that are performed by Holy Prophet.

Stoning the Jamarat is necessary:

Stoning the Jamarat is necessary as it is the Sunnah of Holy Prophet and also the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim. It is also necessary because it teaches us to fight against Satan and his false teachings. Throwing stones at these three pillars strengthens the faith of Muslims and prepares them to fight with any false thoughts brought by Satan in their minds.