Issue No: 212
10th October 2014
14th Dhulhijjah 1435 A.H.
Salamun alaykum,
Stoning the pillars:
On the 10th of Dhulhijjah, after sunrise, the multitude of people participating in the Haj ceremonies head to the desert valley of Mina. Among the actions required to be performed by the pilgrim in Mina is the Rami al Jamaratil ‘Uqba -stoning of the last pillar.
On this day seven pebbles are thrown at this pillar. Thereafter on each of the following two days, the 11th and 12th of Dhulhijjah, the pilgrims must hit each of the three Jamaraat –pillars- with seven pebbles going in order from Jamaratil ‘Ula (the first pillar), Jamaratil Wusta (the middle pillar) and ending at Jamaratil ‘Uqba (the last pillar). Thus at least 49 pebbles are needed for this ritual, more if some throws miss.
(For point of information note that until 2004, the three jamaraat were tall pillars. After the 2004 Hajj, the pillars were replaced with long walls (26 m /85ft) for safety; many people were accidentally throwing pebbles at people on the other side.)
Why do this Rami al Jamaraat?
This ritual is an emulation of Prophet Ibrahim stoning Shaytan at three sites. These jamaraat mark the three spots where Shaytan appeared to Prophet Ibrahim trying to dissuade him from obeying Allah SWT.
Devotion of Prophet Ibrahim:
Prophet Ibrahim was proceeding to fulfill the vision he had earlier seen of sacrificing his son Ismail.
“When he (Ismail) was old enough to assist in his endeavour, he (Ibrahim) said, “My son! I see in a dream that I am sacrificing you.....”
Sura As Saaffaat 37: 102
The events that took place thereafter are well known. As a token of the sacrifice of Prophet Ismail a lamb was sent by Divine will, as a substitute, which got slaughtered instead of Prophet Ismail.
The great devotion to Allah SWT by Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail is evident from these two deeds of stoning and sacrifice. These great acts have become part of the rites of Haj and are to be repeated every year in the Haj season.
Eid al Adhha:
For muslims not undertaking the Haj, the commemoration of the great deeds of the father and son prophets is observed by the performance of Salatul Eid al Adhha; the prayer for the festival of sacrifice. Those who are able to do so even offer sacrifice of an animal and distribute its meat.
As the Eid al Adhha is celebrated with great fervour of festivities, one needs to be cognizant of the fact that the fulfillment of the vision by Prophet Ibrahim was attained only after overcoming the distraction by Shaytan.
Reflect:
Is not the heroic deed of disobedience by Prophet Ibrahim to Shaytan which is being annually re-enacted, by the symbolic act of stoning the jamarat during Haj, eclipsed by the Eid al Adhha celebrations?
Having joyfully offered the Salatul Eid and participated in the festivities of Eid Al Adhha, can you identify the spots in your daily life where Shaytan attempts to dissuade you from submission in obedience to Allah SWT?
In those moments of your life will you undertake the ‘stoning’ of Shaytan as did Prophet Ibrahim?
What are the ‘pebbles’ that you will need to pelt Shaytan?
Have you acquired these ‘pebbles’ in great quantity and are they of good quality?
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat