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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A Guidebook for Women on Rites of Hajj Obligatory Acts in Mina When a pilgrim departs from Muzdalifah, it is obligatory to proceed to Mina to discharge one's obligations which are three: Stoning Rami al-Jamrat (Symbol of Satan). Sacrificing an animal at Mina. Taqseer (Cutting of hair).

Philosophy Behind Rami al-Jamrat Prophet Abraham (as) and Satan Imam Musa al-Kazim (as) said, "At this place Satan appeared in front of Prophet Abraham (as) and tried everything to put doubt in His mind. But Prophet (as) threw stones at him which made him run away” . This deed became so popular with Allah (swt) that it was made a rite of Pilgrimage. At three different points Prophet Abraham (as) threw seven pebbles each time to disappoint Satan.

Lady Hager and Satan The Satan came to Lady Hager (as) and said, "Today your son will be killed." She replied, "A father can never kill his son." Satan said, "Abraham thinks it is God's order to kill his son." The brave lady answered, "If it is an order from God Almighty then I am happy with it." This answer disappointed Satan very much. Then Satan went to Prophet Ishmael (as) and tried to put doubts in His mind. But the strong son of a brave mother stayed steadfast in His resolution.

The Satan again went back to Prophet Abraham (as), who again threw pebbles at him. This incident teaches us that Satan tries to misguide one sometimes through the spouse, at others through offspring and sometimes approaches directly. Only strong faith in Allah (swt) can save one from this evil influence. Stoning Jamratil-Aqabtah (Big Satan) This is the fourth obligation in Pilgrimage on the day of the Eid of sacrifice.

Certain conditions have to be observed: The intention should be the attainment of nearness to Allah (swt). Seven stones must be thrown, not more or less; it is not permitted to throw anything other than stones. The stones must be thrown one after the other and not two or more at a time. It is necessary that the stones hit the Jamrah***.*** The stones must reach the Jamrah by being aimed at it and not merely deposited there. So any stones not thrown intentionally will not be counted.

The throwing of the stones and hitting the Jamrah must be done by a pilgrim himself. So, if the stone was in his hand but he was jostled around, resulting in the stone reaching the Jamrah, the obligation is not fulfilled.