Jamarat refers to the three pillars in Mina near Makkah al-Mukarramah, which represents the places where Satan attempted to mislead Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) from obeying Allah’s command. The act of stoning the Jamarat, known as Rami al-Jamarat, is a key ritual of hajj.
In this rites, Muslims throw seven pebbles at each of the three pillars over a set of numbers during Dhul Hijjah. The pebbling symbolizes a Muslim’s rejection of Shaytan, disobedience to evil, and reaffirmations of loyalty and submission to Allah.
Thus the jamarat are not merely physical pillars but a powerful spiritual reminder of Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and the believer’s constant struggle against temptation.
The Origins of the Stoning Ritual
The Stoning of the devil Ritual, also known as ramy al-jamarat goes back to the actions of the Prophet Ibrahim, Islamic tradition narrates that as Ibrahim prepared to sacrifice his son Ismail, Shaytan appeared to him at three locations to discourage him from obeying Allah’s command. Each time, Ibrahim threw small pebbles at Shaytan to drive him away. This act was later reinforced by Muhammad, the final Prophet of Islam, who instructed Muslims to replicate the stoning during Hajj.
Today, pilgrims continue this practice at the Jamrah pillars, small, medium and large, collectively known as the Jamarat. The act of pelting the Jamarat with stones symbolizes rejecting temptation, disobedience and evil.
Performing the Stoning of the Jamarat
On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, after spending the night at Muzdalifah, pilgrims collect small pebbles. Then they proceed to mina and throw seven pebbles at the largest pillar, the Jamrah al-Aqaba. This marks as the beginning of Eid-ul-Adha and is considered one of the most important parts of Hajj.
The ritual continues during the days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and optionally the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah), when pilgrims throw pebbles at all the pillars, the small, the middle and large Jamarat. Each is struck with seven stones, making a total of 49 or 70 pebbles over the course of days.
The Jamaraat Bridge: From Old Structure to Modern Complex
In the past, the pilgrims throw pebbles at the Jamarh pillars, in a narrow space, which caused dangerous overcrowding. The old bridge was demolished, and a bridge was constructed to ensure safer and easier access. The modern Jamarat bridge in Mina is a multi-level structure designed by Dar-al Handasah and constructed by the Saudi Binladin Group. It features a column free interior space, additional ramps and tunnels, and multiple emergency gateway for safety departure if necessary of crowd pressure. This design allows pilgrims to perform the ritual from any level or from the bridge, improving the flow of the number of pilgrims who visit the site each year.
With this expansion, the authorities aimed to extend the capacity of the ritual, making it possible to hold Hajj over a longer period and reducing the risks that previously caused crowd disasters to happen.
Tragedies and Safety Measures
The stoning of the devil ritual has historically been one of the riskiest stages of Hajj due to the massive number of pilgrims converging around the Jamarat. Over the years, tragic incidents such as hajj and Umrah stampedes and the 2015 Hajj crush have highlighted the need for stricter safety protocols.
To address these issues, the Saudi Hajj management introduced the expanded Jamarah Bridge, improved pedestrian bridges, and advanced monitoring systems. These measures aim to provide easier access, regulate the number of people in specific zones, and ensure smooth evacuation in the event of emergencies.
The authorities also coordinate with international delegations to spread awareness of safety guidelines, train volunteers, and regulate the timing of pilgrims moving to and from the Jamarah.
Symbolism Behind the Jamarah
The act of throwing pebbles at the Jamarah pillars represent more than just a hajj ritual, it is an expression of faith. Each pebble symbolizes defiance against Satan, rejection of sin, and renewal of obedience to Allah. This spiritual act connects with the story of Ibrahim and his willingness for Allah’s command. By imitating these actions of Prophet, Muslim strengthen their faith and recommit to resisting temptations in their lives.
Infrastructure and Engineering of the Jamaraat Complex
The new Bridge stands as one of the most advanced religious infrastructure projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With its column-free interior space, wide pedestrian bridges, and smart design, the bridge can handle millions of pilgrims performing the Jamarat at the same time.
The Saudi Binladin Group oversaw its construction with precision, and it was designed by Dar Al-Handasah, a renowned engineering consultancy. The bridge includes ramps and tunnels to allow better circulation, emergency exits, and multi-level platforms for pelting the Jamarat from various vantage points.
The bridge symbolizes modernity and faith coexisting, showing how the authorities balance religious tradition with crowd management and safety.
The Role of Saudi Authorities in Managing the Jamarat
Every year, the authorities carefully plan the movement of millions of pilgrims performing Hajj. Their responsibilities around the Jamaraat include:
Monitoring the number of people entering and leaving the bridge in Mina.
Ensuring easier way with additional ramps and tunnels.
Preparing evacuation in the event of an emergency.
Installing signage, barriers, and emergency exits for safety.
Coordinating with global delegations to prevent crowd disasters from happening.
These measures highlight the commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to protect pilgrims during one of the most challenging yet spiritual parts of Hajj.
Jamarat: A Balance of Tradition and Modernity
The stone the devil remains a deeply spiritual act, connecting believers to the actions of the Prophet and the legacy of Ibrahim. Yet, at the same time, it is also a logistical and engineering marvel, showcasing how modern infrastructure can support faith.
From the old bridge that once caused bottlenecks to the new bridge with its foot bridge, column-free interior space, and emergency way outs, the journey of the Jamarat reflects both the timelessness of Islamic rituals and the progress of modern design.
Conclusion
The ritual of stoning the Jamarat remains of the most symbolic acts of hajj, reminding pilgrims of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and sacrifice. With the development of modern bridges, safety systems, and enhanced facilities, Saudi authorities have made the journey smoother for millions of hajj pilgrims each year. The three Jamarat in Mina stand as enduring symbols of the struggle against Satan, uniting believers in a shared act of devotion. As the crowds returns to Makkah after completing these rites, the stoning ritual continues to reflect not only the history of sacrifice but also the ongoing commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ensure safe access, organization, and spiritual fulfillment during Dhul Hijjah.
