II Throwing pebbles Some pilgrims are under the impression that when they are throwing pebbles at the Jamarat, they are actually throwing them at the Shayateen (devils). However, the throwing of the pebbles is only a ritual and has been prescribed as a means of remembering Allah, the Most High. Some even throw big stones, shoes or pieces of wood. This is committing an excess in matters of religion which the Prophet (peace be upon him) prohibited. The pebbles should only be as big as good beans. Crowding and jostling others at the Jamarat is not permissible. One should be gentle while throwing the pebbles and try as much as possible to avoid hurting others. Throwing all the pebbles at one time is an error. Scholars have said that this would be counted as only one throw. The Shariah prescribes that the pebbles be pelted one by one, saying “Allahu Akbar” at each throw. Appointing someone to throw the pebbles on one's behalf simply due to the fear of crowds or hardship, though the person is capable of doing it himself (is not correct). Only sick or weak individuals are permitted to have someone throw on their behalf. Farewell Tawaf On the day of departure, some pilgrims go to Makkah to perform their Farewell Tawaf before throwing the pebbles at the Jamarat. Then they return to Mina to throw the pebbles, and depart from Mina to their respective countries. Thus their final rite becomes throwing pebbles at the Jamarat and not Tawaf of the Ka'ba. This is an error as the Prophet (peace be on him) said, “No one should depart without his last visit being to the House (Ka'ba).” Accordingly, the Farewell Tawaf must take place after one has completed all rites of Haj (and before starting his journey for home). After this Tawaf one should not stay in Makkah except for the time it takes to prepare for departure. After finishing the Farewell Tawaf, some people walk backwards, facing the Ka'ba, as they exit from the Sacred Mosque, under the impression that this is a veneration of the Ka'ba. This is an innovation (Bid'ah) in the religion and has no basis in Islam. After finishing the Farewell Tawaf, some pilgrims halt at the door of the Sacred Mosque to make supplications. This is also an innovation that has no basis in the Shariah.Visiting the Prophet's Mosque Touching and wiping one's hands on the walls and iron grilles, tying threads to the gratings, and other acts of this sort while visiting the grave of the Prophet (peace be on him) in order to receive blessings are innovations (Bid'ah). Blessings come from following what Allah and His Messenger (peace be on him) have prescribed, and not from following innovations. Going to the caves of Mount Uhud or to the caves of Hira or Thaur near Makkah and hanging pieces of cloth or making supplications there have not been prescribed by Allah. All these are unnecessary hardships, innovations in the religion, and have no basis in the Shariah. Visiting certain sites under the impression that these constitute “relics” of the Prophet (peace be on him), for example: The place where his camel sat, the Well of ‘Uthman or the Well of the Ring, and gathering soil from these places to obtain “blessings,” are all innovations. Calling upon the dead while visiting the graves at the Baqi' graveyard or the graves of the martyrs of Uhud, and throwing coins in order to seek the blessings of the place or of the people buried there, are grievous errors indeed. (Seeking help from the dead) is Shirk (ascribing partners to Allah, the Most High). It is clear from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace be on him) that all acts of worship must be for Allah alone. It is not permissible to call upon, offer sacrifice, give vow or any other form of Ibadah (worship) to anyone other than Allah. Allah said: “And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allâh, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him)...” (Qur'an, 98:5) “And the mosques are for Allah (Alone), so invoke not anyone along with Allah.” (Qur'an, 72:18) We ask Allah, the Most High, to improve the condition of the Muslims and to give them understanding of the religion. and to turn all of us away from errors and deviations. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the Ever-Responding. – A guide to Haj, Umrah and visiting the Prophet's mosque by the Agency of Islamic Enlightenment in Haj with foreword from Sheikh Bin Baz. __
