by Ama F. Shabazz

Celebrate the praises of Allah during the appointed days. But if anyone hastens to leave in two days, there is no blame on him, and if anyone stays on, there is no blame on him, if his aim is to do right." (Qur'an 2:203)

None of the rituals of Hajj (observance of the Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah) is merely an end within itself. Rather, each ritual serves as a reminder with important lessons for us to take home and keep in our hearts, minds, and souls as our most valuable souvenirs long after Hajj. For example, the act of swiftly and repeatedly going between the two hills of Safa and Marwa should remind us of how Allah generously provided for Hajar (a). It should touch us to remember how He answered her prayers during her frantic and desperate search for water for her baby and herself in the desert. Moreover, the fact that the sacred water of Zamzam still flows there even today, many centuries after Hajar prayerfully pleaded for it, is an indication of how Allah overwhelmingly responds to our needs if our hearts are turned to Him alone. Long after Hajj, whenever we find ourselves feeling frantic or desperate, we can recall the blessing of Zamzam. Thus, our fears and anxieties can be replaced with tranquility and assurance as we turn to Allah, the Only One Who can supply our every need in exactly the best way for us. Likewise, the Hajj ritual of the stoning of Shaytan (Satan) should have profound and long-term significance for all of us.

During Hajj, on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims visit the plain of Muzdalifah where they retrieve small pebbles the size of chick peas. Then, as stated in Fiqh Us-Sunnah, "(on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah) after the sunrise, a pilgrim must throw seven pebbles at the Jamarah Al-Aqabah. Then he should slaughter his sacrificial animal and shave off or cut his hair. He must then return to Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Ifadah. The pilgrim must next return to Mina and stay overnight there...After midday on the 11th of Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrim must throw pebbles at the three Jamarahs, starting with the one neartest to Mina, then the middle one, and stand for a while invoking and supplicating to Allah. Then he should go to the last Jamarah, throw pebbles at it, and leave without stopping there. A pilgrim should finish throwing pebbles at the three Jamarahs well before the sunset. On the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah he should repeat the rites of the previous day. Having thrown the pebbles a pilgrim is free either to return to Makkah before the sunset of the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, or spend the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah as well in Mina, and throw pebbles at the Jamarahs."

It has been narrated by Salim bin Abdullah: Abdullah bin Umar used to do Rami of the Jamrat-ud-Dunya with seven small pebbles and used to recite Takbir on throwing each stone. He then would proceed further till he reached the level ground, where he would stay for a long time, facing the Qiblah to invoke (Allah) while raising his hands. Then he would do Rami of the Jamrat-ul-Wusta similarly and would go to the left towards the level ground, where he would stand for a long time facing the Qibla to invoke (Allah) while raising his hands. Then he would do Rami of the Jamrat-ul-Aqaba from the middle of the valley, but he would not stay byt it. Ibn Umar used to say, "I saw Allah's Apostle doing like that." (Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 2.808)

These acts of throwing the pebbles while saying "Allahu Akbar!" (God is the Greatest!), and supplicating are essential rites of Hajj. In his work Al-Ahya, the famous Muslim scholar of the 11th century, Al-Ghazali, wrote: "As to the throwing of the pebbles, it is an expression of the thrower's intention to obey Allah's commandment, and a demonstration of his humility and servitude to Him. It signifies compliance with Divine commandment without any trace theirin of any selfish pleasure, sensuous or intellectual."

Through the act of throwing pebbles at the pillar representing Shaytan (Satan), one identifies with Prophet Ibrahim (as), the father of Prophets Isma'il and Ishaq (Isaac), and the ancestor of Prophet Muhammad (s). As Muslims, we believe that Shaytan tried to block Prophet Ibrahim (as) at that place to put doubt in his heart and turn him away from his Rabb (Lord), so Prophet Ibrahim (as) threw pebbles at Shaytan.

This belief is not a mere superstition but is actually based on authentic sayings from Prophet Muhammad (s). Al-Baihaqi reported from Salim bin Abi Al-J'ad that Ibn 'Abbas said that the Prophet (s) said: "When Ibrahim (as) wanted to perform the Hajj rites, Shaytan blocked his way near 'Aqabah. Ibrahim threw seven pebbles at him; whereupon Shaytan sank into the ground. Again Shaytan appeared to him near the second Jamarah. Ibrahim threw seven pebbles at him, and he again sank to the ground. Once again Satan approached him near the third Jamarah. Again Ibrahim threw seven pebbles at him, and once gain Shaytan sank into the ground." Ibn ''Abbas added, "You throw pebbles at Shaytan, and thus you follow the path of your great forefather Ibrahim (as)." Al-Mundhri said: "This is reported by Ibn Khuzaimah in his Sahih and by Al-Hakim, and it is sound according to their criterion."

Through this important Hajj ritual, we may discover an analogy about adversity, temptations, and hardships of life. Things may seem to be going along well in our lives, when quite unexpectedly, circumstances may appear to make us question our values, to instill doubt about our principles, and to appeal to our weaknesses. At such times, if we are not alert, we may be lured away from the Straight Path. In these situations, if we are not firm in our resolve and our faith, we can easily be drawn into sins. At such moments, we must remind ourselves that Allah is fully aware of our struggles, but he is testing us to make us stronger in our faith. In fact, He has clearly explained this phenomenon to us in Suratul Imran: Here is a plain statement to men, a guidance and instruction to those who fear Allah! So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: for you must gain mastery if you are true in faith. If a wound hath touched you be sure a similar wound hath touched the others. Such days (of varying fortunes) We give to men by turns: so that Allah may know those that believe and so that He may take to Himself from your ranks martyr-witnesses (to Truth). And Allah loves not those that do wrong. Allah's object also is to purge those that are true in faith and to deprive of blessing those that resist faith. Did you think that you would enter heaven without Allah testing those of you who fought hard (in His cause) and remained steadfast? (Qur'an 3:135-139).

Hence, it is during such tests that instead of yielding to Shaytan's manipulations, we must adamantly resist him. By observing the prescribed acts of worship such as performing salat (five daily Islamic prayers), fasting, giving charitable gifts of sadaqah and zakat, reciting and studying the Qur'an, and by consistently refraining from whatever Allah has forbidden we can throw countless pebbles at Shaytan.

For those who have performed the Hajj, it is interesting to note and reflect on the configuration and spacing of the three jamarah. They are not neatly lined up, with one right next to the other, as might be expected. Nor are they equally spaced apart. Actually, Jamarah Al-Aqabah is on the left side inside Mina. Next, Jamarah Al-Wusta (the Middle Jamarah) is at about 11,677 meters further from the first one. Finally, Jamarah Al-Sughra (the smallest Jamarah) is 1,564 meters further from the middle one. Clearly the struggle against Shaytan is not just a single occurrence or a one-time event. Nor are his tests predictably spaced apart in time or distance. Instead, just when we think we have conquered evil, and things are progressing smoothly again, we may find ourselves confronted with either the same problem manifested again or another one of equal or greater proportions that could have the same or even more devastating effects on our faith. Regardless of the frequency or length of intervals, each time we face such tests, the only solution to surmount the new obstacles is to rely on Allah for strength and guidance. By surrendering only to Allah, we draw upon His Strength and Wisdom to resist the enticements of Shaytan.

The ritual stoning of the Jamarah occurs immediately before and for two or three days immediately after the sacrificing of the animals, so one might wonder about the connection. Many of the rituals of Hajj are symbolic in nature. The sacrificing of the animals is not based on a pagan notion that a deity is in need of food. Islam is a monotheistic faith that recognizes that Allah, the One and Only Deity, certainly does not require the flesh and blood of animals.

It is not their meat, nor their blood that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him: He has thus made them subject to you that you may glorify Allah for His guidance to you: and proclaim the Good News to all who do right. (Qur’an 22:37) The Qur’an mentions that when Prophet Ibrahim (as) was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his dear and beloved son as a test of his faith and total devotion to Allah, Ibrahim willingly, and without hesitation, began to carry out the command. Moreover, Isma’il, his son, willingly complied with his father’s instructions to obey Allah’s commands. Thus, this father and son whole-heartedly demonstrated the meaning of supreme faith and devotion to Allah.

Then when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious) work with him he said: “O my son! I see in a vision that I offer you in a sacrifice: now say what is your view!” (The son) said: “O my father! Do as you are commanded: you will find me if Allah so wills practicing Patience and Constancy!” So when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah) and He had laid Him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice) We called out to him “O Ibrahim! You have already fulfilled the vision!” Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.” For this was obviously a trial. And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice: And We left this blessing for him among generations to come in later times: “Peace and salutations to Ibrahim!” Thus indeed do We reward those who do right. For he was one of our believing Servants. (Qur’an 37:103)

Thus, in His Infinite Mercy, and as a reward for their unswerving devotion, Allah substituted a ram to redeem the sacrifice and spared the life of Isma’il (as) to allow him to continue to work in Allah’s Cause. Therefore, the sacrificing of animals at Hajj is a reenactment of these amazing events with Ibrahim and Isma’il (as). In this way, the animal sacrifice at Hajj instructs the Hajjis (pilgrims) and reminds them that their lives must be committed to sacrifice and total submission to Allah’s will.

Undoubtedly, Shaytan’s duty is to challenge such a state of surrender to Allah. That is why the ritual act of stoning of the jamarah surrounds the act of the sacrifice. It is only through resisting Shaytan and refusing to yield to his urging that we can successfully make our sacrifices acceptable to Allah. Furthermore, even after we have made sacrifices, Shaytan is likely to revisit us in order to persuade us to reverse or undo our good deeds. “Shaytan makes them promises and creates in them false desires; but Shaytan’s promises are nothing but deception.” (Qu’ran 4:120) At such moments, our only recourse must be to again turn to Allah for refuge and to symbolically stone Shaytan again, but never allowing him to gain control of our hearts, minds, or actions.

Long after we return home from Hajj, we must continue our commitment of devotion and sacrifice. Rather than remaining idle and falling easy prey to Shaytan, we must persistently occupy our time with the performance of good deeds in remembrance of Allah and entirely for His pleasure. Shaytan comes to us with many forms of temptation. He makes this life seem appealing and alluring. He can make material acquisitions and our loves one seem to matter more than anything so that we lose sight of the boundaries and ultimate goals that Allah has set for us. As the Qur’an warns us: “your riches and your children may be but a trial: but in the Presence of Allah is the Highest Reward.” Qur’an 64:15)

Another weapon in Shaytan’s arsenal is fear. He inspires us with fear of loss so that we might panic and transgress Allah’s limits without thinking. The Evil One threatens you with poverty and bids you to conduct unseemly. Allah promises you His forgiveness and bounties, and Allah cares for all and He knows all things.” (Qur’an 2:216) Furthermore, Shaytan inspires greed, lust, and egotism. He makes us believe that we can attain power and dominance. Instead we must continuously pick up our pebbles from Qur’an and Sunnah. Grabbing these pebbles can help make our hearts steadfast in faith, remind us that nothing in this life is permanent, and assure us that the ultimate success is only attained by pleasing Allah. Once we leave Muzdalifah, it is only on the pages of Qur’an and Hadith and on the surface of our prayer rugs that will we find the pebbles necessary to arm us with the phrase “La hawla wa la quwatta ila billah.: The Ultimate Power and Strength is only with Allah.” In the spirit of Hajj and the stoning of the jamarah, let us truly commit ourselves to Islam, throughout our lives, so that we can hurl, not only pebbles, but boulders at Shaytan and continuously shout with full confidence: “Allahu Akbar!”

O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the Evil One; for he is to you an avowed enemy. If ye backslide after the clear signs have come to you, then know that Allah is Exalted in Power Wise. (Qur’an 2:208-209)