earn the authentic Salafi method for stoning the Jamarat during Hajj. A step-by-step guide covering pebble size, timings, and the correct sunnah sequence.
Praise be to Allah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, and his companions.
The stoning of the Jamarat (Ramy) is a profound ritual of Hajj, established to revive the Sunnah of Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and to establish the remembrance of Allah. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ explicitly stated:
To perform this ritual correctly and avoid widespread innovations, a pilgrim must follow these precise steps according to the authentic Sunnah:
The pebbles should be small, roughly the size of a chickpea or a date stone (Hasa al-Khadhf). Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned against extremism in religion and specifically ordered the companions to use small pebbles. Throwing large rocks, shoes, or umbrellas out of anger—believing one is physically harming the devil—is an innovation and a severe misconception.
On the morning of Eid (after returning from Muzdalifah), the pilgrim stones only the largest pillar, known as Jamrat al-'Aqabah (which is the one closest to Makkah).
Throw seven pebbles at the pillar, one after another.
Say "Allahu Akbar" as you throw each pebble.
Do not pause to make Du'a after stoning this pillar on this day; rather, depart immediately as Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did.
During these days, the pilgrim must stone all three pillars. The absolute condition for the validity of this stoning is that it must occur after the sun has passed its zenith (midday/Zawal).
The sequence must be followed exactly as demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
Step 1: The Small Pillar (Al-Jamrah As-Sughra): This is the pillar furthest from Makkah. Throw seven pebbles one by one, saying "Allahu Akbar" with each throw. Then, step aside, face the Qiblah, raise your hands, and make a long, earnest Du'a.
Step 2: The Middle Pillar (Al-Jamrah Al-Wusta): Move to the middle pillar and throw seven pebbles, saying "Allahu Akbar" with each throw. Again, step aside, face the Qiblah, raise your hands, and make another long Du'a.
Step 3: The Large Pillar (Jamrat al-'Aqabah): Finally, move to the largest pillar and throw seven pebbles, saying "Allahu Akbar" with each throw. Do not stop to make Du'a after this pillar. Simply depart.
This sequence is repeated on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. If the pilgrim chooses to delay their departure and stay for the 13th (which is highly recommended), they repeat this exact sequence one final time after midday.
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ) highlighted several mistakes pilgrims make, which must be avoided:
Throwing all seven pebbles at once (this only counts as one throw).
Believing the pebbles must hit the physical pillar. The requirement is that the pebble lands in the basin (Haud); hitting the pillar itself is not a condition.
Washing the pebbles before throwing them (an unfounded innovation).
And Allah the Exalted knows best.