In the tent city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, three stone pillars known as Jamarat hold immense significance for Muslims. These pillars are an integral part of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage rituals, where pilgrims engage in the compulsory act of pelting the Jamarat. This practice emulates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to Allah’s command, as he resisted the temptations of Satan (Shaitan) and prepared to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (AS).
The Jamarat consist of three pillars: Jamarat-al-Ula, Jamarat-al-Wusta, and Jamarat-al-Kubra. Each pillar represents a pivotal sacrifice in the narrative. Muslims understand that they are not attacking the pillars themselves, but rather symbolically casting away the influence of Satan and their own inner evil. By stoning the Jamarat, Muslims reaffirm their commitment to righteousness and strive to become better individuals.
The historical context of the Jamarat dates back to the encounter between Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Satan. As Prophet Ibrahim (AS) journeyed to fulfill Allah’s command, Satan repeatedly attempted to dissuade him. However, with the guidance of Angel Jibraeel (AS), Prophet Ibrahim (AS) cast stones at Satan, ultimately triumphing over his temptations.
The three Jamarat pillars hold different locations and symbolize the varying degrees of Satan’s effort to discourage Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The Jamarah Sughra (or Jamarah-al-Ula) represents Satan’s weakest attempt, while the Jamarah-al-Wusta stands as the middle pillar. The largest and nearest to the point of sacrifice is the Jamarah-al-Kubra (or Jamarah-al-Uqbah), where Satan exerted his utmost effort.
To facilitate the stoning ritual, the Saudi government constructed the Jamarat Bridge, which connects all three pillars. The bridge ensures the safety of pilgrims as they partake in the act of Rami. Since its inception in 1963, the bridge has undergone expansions and reconstructions, accommodating millions of pilgrims each year.
The act of stoning the Jamarat, or Rami, is a vital component of Hajj and Umrah. By engaging in this ritual, Muslims commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) unwavering faith and determination, while simultaneously combating the vices within themselves. The annual gathering of millions of Muslims to perform this sacred act serves as a powerful reminder of the triumph of good over evil.
