The Sequence on 10 Dhu’l-Hijjah (Yawm al-Nahr)
The pilgrim descends from Muzdalifa to Mina and performs four acts, ideally in this order:
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Rami Jamarah al-Aqaba — Stoning the largest Jamarah (pillar representing the location where Shaytan appeared to Ibrahim for the third time) with 7 pebbles. Each pebble is thrown with takbir. Time: after dawn, before sunset on the 10th.
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Qurbani (Udhiya / Hadiy) — Slaughtering the sacrificial animal. The animal (sheep, goat, cow share, or camel share) must meet age and quality standards. Modern Hajj: most pilgrims arrange payment for sacrifice through official channels given the scale; the meat is distributed to the poor.
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Halq or Taqsir — Men: shaving the entire head (halq, the stronger act) or shortening all the hair (taqsir). Women: cutting a finger’s length from the hair (taqsir only; shaving is not prescribed). This marks the first partial exit from ihram — all restrictions lift except relations with the spouse.
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Tawaf al-Ifadah + Sa’i — The obligatory circumambulation (and sa’i if not already done). After this, all ihram restrictions lift completely.
Rami on the Days of Tashreeq (11, 12, 13 Dhu’l-Hijjah)
On each of the three tashreeq days (or two for those who depart early on the 12th — nafr awwal), the pilgrim stones all three jamarat in order:
- Jamarah al-Ula (small): 7 pebbles
- Jamarah al-Wusta (middle): 7 pebbles; pause for supplication
- Jamarah al-Aqaba (large): 7 pebbles; no pause
Total: 21 pebbles per day × 3 days = 63 additional pebbles (plus 7 on the 10th = 70 total, or 49 for early departure).
The Spiritual Meaning
The three jamarat mark the three locations where Shaytan appeared to Ibrahim urging him to turn back from the sacrifice. Ibrahim’s response each time was to throw stones — rejection of the temptation through a physical act. The pilgrim’s stoning enacts the same repudiation: “I have come this far; I will not turn back.”
See also: Hajj Step By Step Guide, Hajj Preparation, Hajj Journey, Hajj Types, Hajj Mabrur, Ibrahim Alayhis Salam