11th Dhul-Hijjah
Overnight Stay in Mina and Stone-Throwing at Jamarat
Actions to Perform on 11th Dhul-Hijjah
Spending the night in Mina on the night of 11th Dhul-Hijjah and after midday, proceeding to the three Jamarat for stone-throwing.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) returned to Mina after completing Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i on 10th Dhul-Hijjah in Makkah and spent the nights of Tashreeq in Mina. On the way from Mina to Jamarat, there is no transportation available, so the entire journey must be covered on foot. Depending on the distance from your tent in Mina to Jamarat, it may take 5-10 kilometers of walking back and forth. [Muslim 3056, 3068; Abu Dawood 1973]
If Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i were not performed on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, it is preferable to stay in Mina on this Tashreeq night and then go to Makkah the next morning or afternoon to complete the obligatory Tawaf and Sa’i and return to Mina. Alternatively, you can go to Makkah on the evening of 11th Dhul-Hijjah, finish the Tawaf and Sa’i, and return to Mina before midnight. It is desirable to spend more than half of the night in Mina.
After the sun has declined past its zenith, proceed to the three Jamarat to throw stones, preferably during the time from midday until sunset. You will need a total of 21 pebbles (7 for each). Due to heavy crowds or valid reasons, such as sickness, extreme weakness, old age, women, or children, stone-throwing may be done after sunset until dawn. Alternatively, someone else may be appointed to throw stones on their behalf.
Sequence of Stone-Throwing
Maintaining the sequence (small, middle, large) while throwing stones at Jamarat is essential. Menstruating women can throw stones at Jamarat without any issue. [Bukhari 1746; Nasai 3063; Abu Dawood 1971; Tirmidhi 896]
Throwing Stones at the First Jamarat
Approach Jamarat al-Sughra (the small Jamarat), standing with the Ka’bah to your left and Mina to your right, or stand in any position, and raise your right hand to throw seven stones one by one. Each time, say: “Allahu Akbar.” [Bukhari 1751]
After throwing stones at the first Jamarat, move a little forward, face the Qibla, and raise your hands for a prolonged individual supplication. This is a time and place for du’a to be accepted. Then proceed to the next middle Jamarat. [Bukhari 1751]
Throwing Stones at the Second Jamarat
Approach Jamarat al-Wusta (the middle Jamarat) and throw seven stones as you did at the first Jamarat, saying “Allahu Akbar” with each throw.
After throwing stones at the second Jamarat, move slightly forward and again make a long individual supplication, similar to the first Jamarat. Then proceed to the larger Jamarat.
Throwing Stones at the Third Jamarat
Approach Jamarat al-Aqaba (the large Jamarat) and throw seven stones as you did at the previous two Jamarat.
After completing the stone-throwing at the third Jamarat, do not make any supplication; leave the Jamarat and return to your tent in Mina. [Bukhari 1751; Nasai 3083]
After Stone-Throwing
While staying in Mina, it is recommended to shorten your prayers as you did on the 8th Dhul-Hijjah and engage in Quran recitation, tasbeeh, du’a, dhikr, and seeking forgiveness. Avoid spending your time merely sleeping, chatting, or wandering around; instead, use your time effectively. Allah says: “And when you have completed your rites, remember Allah like your previous remembrance of your forefathers or with much greater remembrance…” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 2:200). Fasting during the days of Tashreeq is not permissible. Meal arrangements are available three times a day in Mina. Staying overnight in Mina during these Tashreeq nights is mandatory.
Caution
In some countries, including the Indian subcontinent, certain Hajj agencies consider staying overnight in Mina on 11th Dhul-Hijjah as merely Sunnah. However, many scholars worldwide consider an overnight stay in Mina during Tashreeq to be obligatory, and this is the more correct opinion.
Some agencies allow pilgrims to stay briefly in Mina on the night of 11th Dhul-Hijjah and leave before midnight to Makkah/Aziziyah/Shisha hotels, only returning to Jamarat after midday for stone-throwing and then going back to the hotels. This practice contradicts the actions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions. If staying in Mina overnight is considered obligatory, then spending the day there is Sunnah. There is no doubt about this. The Prophet (peace be upon him) spent both day and night in Mina. [Ibn Majah 3065]
What to Do in Such Situations
If you want to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and adhere to Taqwa, separate yourself from the group and stay in Mina. Skipping the obligatory stay in Mina would require a penalty (damm), and failing to do so could render your Hajj incomplete. Since there is a difference of opinion on this matter, following the safer route is better. By this time, you will likely have some familiarity with Mina’s paths, and having a mobile phone and some Saudi Riyals will suffice to manage. Endure a bit of hardship at this final stage of Hajj to fulfill your obligations and Sunnah. Before embarking on Hajj, discuss this matter with your agency to understand their stance on this. If they disagree, gently advise them to ensure overnight stays in Mina. If not successful, find one or two like-minded individuals to stay in Mina with you.
Another Important Note
In certain areas of Mina, announcements are made over loudspeakers, suggesting that pilgrims should go to Jamarat at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. for stone-throwing. Hearing such announcements, many agencies proceed to Jamarat and complete the ritual before its actual time begins. However, the time for stone-throwing starts only after the sun has declined past its zenith. Regardless of these announcements, it is better to wait until midday before going to throw stones. Nobody will compel you to perform any action against your will there.
