Stoning the Jamarat Guide 2026: Hajj Ritual Tips & Strategy

Frequently Asked Questions About Stoning the Jamarat During Hajj

How many pebbles do you need for stoning the Jamarat?

You need a total of 49 pebbles if leaving on the 12th, or 70 pebbles if staying until the 13th. Here's the breakdown: On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (Eid day), you need 7 pebbles to stone only Jamarat Al-Aqaba. On the 11th, 12th, and 13th (if staying), you need 21 pebbles per day (7 for each of the three Jamarat). It's wise to collect a few extra pebbles (5-10 more) in case some are unsuitable, get lost, or your throw doesn't land in the basin. The pebbles should be about the size of a chickpea—not too large or too small. You can collect them from Muzdalifah, Mina, or anywhere within the Haram boundaries.

What time is best to stone the Jamarat to avoid crowds?

The least crowded times are early morning (right after sunrise until mid-morning) and late evening (after Isha until midnight or later). The most crowded times are immediately after Dhuhr prayer and in the late afternoon before Maghrib. On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (Eid day), the best time is early morning after sunrise. For the 11th, 12th, and 13th, stoning is permissible after Dhuhr, but going in the early afternoon or late evening typically offers the calmest experience. Women, elderly, sick, and those caring for children are permitted to stone after midnight, which significantly reduces crowd exposure. Consult your group leader about the optimal time for your specific group to go.

Do you have to throw the pebbles hard at the Jamarat?

No, you do not need to throw with great force. The pebble simply needs to land inside the basin or hit the wall/pillar structure. A gentle toss is sufficient and actually recommended. Throwing too hard can cause pebbles to bounce out of the basin (which means the throw doesn't count) or potentially hit other pilgrims. The ritual is symbolic—you're not actually trying to hurt Satan or show physical strength. What matters is that each pebble reaches the designated area. Stand at a comfortable distance (you don't need to be right at the wall), aim for the basin, and throw with enough force that the pebble lands inside. Focus on accuracy rather than power.

Can you throw all 7 pebbles at once at the Jamarat?

No, you must throw the pebbles one by one, not all at once. Each pebble should be thrown individually while saying "Allahu Akbar" with each throw. This is the established sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Throwing all seven pebbles together in one handful does not fulfill the requirement—each pebble must be thrown separately. Take your time with each throw. Pick up one pebble, say "Allahu Akbar," throw it, then pick up the next one. This method ensures you're performing the ritual correctly and helps you maintain focus on the spiritual significance of each throw. If you accidentally throw multiple pebbles together, only count it as one throw.

What happens if your pebble bounces out of the Jamarat basin?

If the pebble bounces out of the basin or off the wall without landing inside the designated area, that throw does not count and you must throw another pebble to replace it. This is why it's recommended to bring a few extra pebbles beyond the required number. To avoid this issue: throw gently rather than forcefully, aim for the center of the basin, stand at a reasonable distance (not too far, not pressed against the wall), and throw in an arc rather than a straight line. If you're unsure whether a particular throw counted, it's better to throw an additional pebble to be certain you've completed all seven throws. The pebble must actually land and remain inside the basin area for the throw to be valid.

Can you stone the Jamarat in any order?

On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (Eid day), you only stone Jamarat Al-Aqaba, so order is not an issue. However, on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah, you MUST stone the three Jamarat in this specific order: first Jamarat Al-Sughra (the smallest/farthest), then Jamarat Al-Wusta (the middle), and finally Jamarat Al-Aqaba (the largest/closest to Makkah). Stoning them out of order invalidates the ritual for that day. If you realize you stoned out of order, you must repeat the stoning in the correct sequence. This order follows the sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and is obligatory. Pay attention to signs and markers at the Jamarat complex to ensure you're stoning the correct pillar in the correct order.

Should you make dua after stoning each Jamarat?

You should make dua after stoning Jamarat Al-Sughra (the smallest) and Jamarat Al-Wusta (the middle), but NOT after stoning Jamarat Al-Aqaba (the largest). The correct practice is: after stoning the first pillar (Sughra), step aside away from the crowd, face the Qiblah, raise your hands, and make sincere dua for as long as you wish. Then proceed to the second pillar (Wusta), stone it with seven pebbles, step aside again, face the Qiblah, and make dua. Finally, stone the third pillar (Aqaba) with seven pebbles and leave immediately without making dua. This is the established sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Many pilgrims mistakenly make dua after all three pillars or skip the duas after the first two—both are incorrect.

Can you stone the Jamarat on behalf of someone else?

Yes, you can stone on behalf of someone who is genuinely unable to do it themselves due to illness, severe weakness, disability, or being a young child. However, you must complete your own stoning first before performing it on behalf of others. The process: complete all your required throws at each pillar, then immediately stone again on behalf of the other person at the same pillar before moving to the next one. For example, throw your 7 pebbles at Sughra, then immediately throw 7 more for the person you're representing, make dua, then move to Wusta and repeat. You cannot stone for someone who is simply too lazy or uncomfortable—there must be a valid excuse. It's also permissible to designate someone else to stone on your behalf if you have a genuine inability to do it yourself.

Which level of the Jamarat bridge should I use?

The Jamarat complex is a multi-story bridge structure with multiple levels (ground level plus upper floors). All levels are equally valid for performing the stoning ritual. The ground level tends to be the most crowded and congested, while the upper levels (2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors) typically offer easier access, better crowd flow, and less pushing. There is no religious preference for any particular level—choose whichever is most accessible and comfortable for you. If you're with elderly pilgrims or using wheelchairs, the upper levels often have better facilities and ramps. Experiment with different levels to find which works best for your group. Don't feel obligated to use the ground level just because it's more traditional—the modern structure was designed to accommodate pilgrims on all levels equally.

What should you do if the crowd becomes dangerous during stoning?

If you feel unsafe, overwhelmed, or the crowd becomes dangerously dense, leave immediately and return at a less crowded time. Your safety is paramount and takes precedence over completing the ritual at that specific moment. Exit the area calmly (don't push or run), find a safe space, rest, hydrate, and plan to return during off-peak hours like late evening or early morning. The stoning ritual has flexible timing precisely to accommodate situations like this. If you're with elderly, children, or weak individuals and the crowd becomes dangerous, it's permissible to leave and stone after midnight when crowds are minimal. There is no reward for endangering yourself or others. Allah does not require you to risk harm to complete a ritual. Come back when conditions are safer.

Can women stone the Jamarat or must a man do it for them?

Women absolutely can and should stone the Jamarat themselves if they are physically able. There is no Islamic requirement for a man to stone on behalf of women. However, women may choose to go during less crowded times (like after midnight) for safety and comfort, which is permissible. If a woman is pregnant, elderly, sick, or has other valid reasons making it difficult to navigate crowds, she may have someone stone on her behalf. But healthy, able-bodied women should perform the stoning themselves just as men do. Many women find going in organized groups with their female travel companions or during off-peak hours makes the experience manageable and safe. The key is planning the timing strategically rather than assuming women cannot or should not stone the Jamarat themselves.

What is the latest time you can stone the Jamarat each day?

The latest time for stoning depends on the day and your circumstances. On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (Eid day), the recommended time is from sunrise until Dhuhr, but it's permissible until Fajr of the next day (11th) for those with valid excuses like weakness or illness. On the 11th, 12th, and 13th, the standard time is from after Dhuhr until Maghrib (sunset). However, for the weak, elderly, sick, or those caring for children, it's permissible to stone after Maghrib until Fajr of the next day. If you miss the deadline completely without a valid excuse, you must offer a penalty (dam)—sacrificing a sheep and distributing the meat to the poor. However, there is flexibility built into the timing specifically to accommodate different circumstances and crowd management. Consult with your group leader or a knowledgeable scholar if you have concerns about timing.

Is stoning the Jamarat required or just recommended for Hajj?

Stoning the Jamarat is wajib (obligatory) according to the majority of scholars, making it one of the essential acts of Hajj. If you miss stoning on any of the required days without a valid excuse, you must offer a penalty (dam)—sacrificing a sheep or goat and distributing the meat to the poor in Makkah. The stoning on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah at Jamarat Al-Aqaba is particularly emphasized as essential. On the 11th and 12th, stoning all three pillars is also obligatory. The 13th is obligatory only if you remain in Mina after sunset on the 12th. Missing the stoning entirely would be a serious deficiency in your Hajj. This is why proper planning, timing strategy, and determination to complete this ritual are so important. It's not merely symbolic or optional—it's a required component of the pilgrimage.