Question

why do Muslims throw stones at a pillar?

Answer 1

You are likely referring to the ritual of Rami al-Jamarat performed during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina (near Mecca).

What it is and why it’s done
- Rami al-Jamarat means “stoning of the Jamarat.” Pilgrims throw small pebbles at three structures (historically pillars, now long walls/columns) called the Jamarat.
- The act commemorates the story of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) who, according to Islamic tradition, resisted the temptations of Satan when he was commanded to sacrifice his son. Abraham drove Satan away by throwing stones at him. The stoning symbolizes rejecting temptation, sin and evil.
- It is also a practice performed by the Prophet Muhammad and is therefore part of the prescribed Hajj rites.

When and how it’s performed
- It takes place in the days of Hajj (10–13 Dhul-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar). On the main day (10th), pilgrims throw seven pebbles at the largest Jamarah; on the following two or three days they throw seven pebbles at each of the three Jamarat (small, middle, large), depending on the type of Hajj being performed.
- Pebbles are small (often gathered at Muzdalifah) and thrown in a controlled way; the act is symbolic, not intended to harm anyone.

Modern context and safety
- For safety reasons the Saudi authorities replaced the single pillars with larger, multi-level structures and a wide pedestrian bridge to manage the huge crowds. Despite that, overcrowding has caused serious accidents in the past, and crowd-control measures are continually updated.

In short: Muslims throw stones at the Jamarat during Hajj as a symbolic rejection of Satan and sin, commemorating Abraham’s example and following the prophetic tradition.