What is meant by Rami al-Jamarat in Hajj?

Rami al-Jamarat is a fundamental ritual performed during the Hajj pilgrimage, and it involves stoning the three pillars (Jamarat) that symbolize Satan. These pillars are located in Mina, near Makkah, and represent the temptations and whispers of Shaytan that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) resisted when he was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son. The act of throwing pebbles at the Jamarat symbolizes the pilgrim’s rejection of evil, sin, and Satanic influence in their own life.

The ritual is performed over three consecutive days of Hajj, typically during the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of Dhul-Hijjah. Pilgrims collect small pebbles, often 49 in total, and throw them sequentially at the small, medium, and large Jamarat. The largest of these pillars is called Jamrat al-Aqabah. The stoning is not merely physical; it carries deep spiritual significance as a demonstration of obedience to Allah, self-purification, and commitment to faith.

Historically, Rami al-Jamarat commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) struggle against Satan’s attempts to divert him from Allah’s command. By reenacting this act, Muslims symbolically reject temptations, reinforce their inner discipline, and strengthen their resolve to follow Allah’s guidance. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized the importance of performing Rami al-Jamarat with sincerity, as it is one of the essential rites of Hajj that must be observed to fulfill the pilgrimage correctly.