alJamarat

Al-Jamarat (also spelled al-Jamarat or alJamarat) refers to the three stone pillars in the Mina valley near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, used in the Hajj pilgrimage for the ritual known as Ramy al-Jamarat, or the stoning of the devil. The pillars are located on the Jamarat Bridge and are traditionally named Jamarat al-Ula, al-Wusta, and al-Aqabah. Pilgrims throw pebbles at each pillar as part of the rite, symbolizing rejection of temptation and evil.

The stoning ritual takes place during the days of the Hajj on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah (the day of Eid al-Adha) and on the following two or three days, depending on local guidance and individual circumstances. Pilgrims typically perform seven pebbles at each pillar, and the order and timing can vary by tradition and crowd-management rules. The practice commemorates the biblical and Qur’anic narrative of Ibrahim (Abraham) rejecting Satan’s temptations.

In recent decades, safety and crowd-management concerns have driven significant renovations at the Jamaraat site. The area has been redesigned with elevated walkways, separate lanes, bridges, and controlled access to improve flow and reduce crush risks. Despite ongoing improvements, the site has experienced deadly incidents in the past, notably stampedes and crowd disasters, which have prompted ongoing reforms and enhanced safety protocols during the Hajj period.

See also: Hajj, Ramy al-Jamarat, Mina.