The rituals of the days of Tashreeq: Pilgrims throw stones at the Jamarat, and those in a hurry prepare
With the sunrise of the first day of Tashreeq, corresponding to the eleventh day of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims continue their rituals in Mina, amidst an atmosphere of profound spirituality and faith. Having spent the night in Mina, the pilgrims proceed to the Jamarat Bridge to perform one of the most important Hajj rituals: the stoning of the three pillars. They begin with the smallest pillar, then the middle one, and finally the largest pillar, Jamarat al-Aqaba, throwing seven pebbles at each, reciting takbir and tahlil with each throw.
Historical background and importance of the days of Tashreeq
The Days of Tashreeq are the three days following Eid al-Adha (the Day of Sacrifice), days of remembrance of God and gratitude for His blessings. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said regarding their virtue: “The Days of Tashreeq are days of eating, drinking, and remembering God.” These days gain their significance from representing the temporal and spatial extension of the peak of the Hajj rituals, during which pilgrims spend most of their time in Mina, completing the Hajj rites before returning home. The stoning of the Jamarat during these days is linked to a symbolic historical event in which Muslims emulate the action of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) when Satan confronted him at these locations, and he pelted him with pebbles to repel him and reject his temptations.
The impact of the event and its various dimensions
The Hajj season, particularly the days of Tashreeq, is an event of immense religious, economic, and social significance. Domestically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia mobilizes all its resources to serve millions of pilgrims, demonstrating its remarkable organizational and logistical capabilities in managing the world's largest annual human gathering. Regionally and internationally, the Hajj represents a unique global convergence for Muslims of diverse nationalities and cultures, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and unity within the Islamic Ummah. Pilgrims return to their homelands imbued with a profound spiritual experience, becoming ambassadors of peace and tolerance, carrying the noble values of Hajj back to their communities.
Those in a hurry are preparing for the exodus
Amidst this atmosphere, pilgrims who choose to depart early prepare to complete their rituals and exit the state of ihram. According to Islamic law, a pilgrim who wishes to leave early may depart Mina after stoning the Jamarat on the second day of Tashreeq (the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah), provided they leave Mina before sunset. Those who remain until the third day must also perform the stoning ritual on that day, which is considered the most complete and preferable practice, following the Sunnah of the Prophet. After completing the stoning ritual, pilgrims proceed to Mecca to perform the Farewell Tawaf, the final rite of Hajj, thus concluding their spiritual journey and returning to their homelands with a clean slate and unforgettable memories.
