Pilgrims can follow the rulings of learned scholars from their own countries, over whether to stone at the Jamarat before or after midday on the 12th of Dhul Hijja. This is the view of Dr. Ali Abass Al-Hakami, member of the Board of Senior Ulema and the Higher Judiciary Council. He said that scholars differ over the issue. But while the majority believe that stoning should take place after midday on the 12th of Dhul Hijja, it did not mean that other opinions were not equally valid. “This does not mean that it is necessary for the stoning process to take place only one hour after midday, but it also extends from midday until the dawn of the next day. He said the jurisprudence on the issue, for those in a hurry to leave for their countries, is governed by the vision or opinion of each scholar in his own country. Al-Hakami pointed out that in various countries people follow either the Shafi, Hanafi or Maliki schools of thought. These were all equally acceptable. “Therefore, pilgrims are allowed to go by their scholars' edicts, on condition that the Fatwa must have been given by a trustworthy and knowledgeable scholar.” Al-Hakami also issued a warning to preachers to be wary of the motives pilgrims may have in asking questions on such matters. He said some pilgrims ask these types of questions so that they can challenge others with this information. He recommended that preachers verify the real motives of those who ask questions, to determine whether they genuinely seek knowledge or whether they just want to use the answer to question other people's opinions and knowledge.
