The annual Hajj Pilgrimage, one of Islam’s five pillars, is a time of deep spiritual reflection for millions of Muslims. One of the most important rituals during Hajj is the stoning at Jamarat, where pilgrims throw pebbles at three pillars, symbolizing the rejection of evil.
Around 1.84 million pilgrims participated this year, in which a staggering 100 million pebbles were used in this ritual. Where do all these pebbles go after the ceremony is completed?
Once again, as the valley of Mina and Jamarat become empty after the Hajj pilgrimage, the answer to this question lies in the meticulous and scientific arrangements put in place by the Saudi government.
The stoning ritual starts on the Day of Sacrifice, Dhul Hijjah 10, when pilgrims throw pebbles at one of the pillars at Jamarat Al Aqaba.
During the next two to three days, which is known as Ayyam Al Tashreeq, they throw seven stones at each of the three pillars
- Jamarat Al Sugra( small pillar)
- Jamarat Al Wusta ( medium pillar) and
- Jamarat Al Aqaba (most prominent pillar)
Each pilgrim uses 49 pebbles if they perform the ritual for three days and 70 stones if they stay for a fourth day.
Once the ritual is completed, the pebbles, which are thrown at three pillars, fall vertically and settle down in the basement of the Jamarat facility, which has a depth of up to 15 meters. Afterward, a series of conveyor belts are employed to collect the pebbles. These pebbles undergo a sieving process, spraying with water to remove any dirt and dust.
The cleaned pebbles are then transferred to vehicles and taken to specific areas for storage, where they are managed further after the end of the Hajj season.
Moreover, the Mecca-based Hajj & Mu’ tamer’s Gift Charitable Association, in partnership with the Kedana Company, plays a crucial role in serving the pilgrims. Last year, the organization supplied around 80,000 bags of pebbles for the stoning ritual. It distributed them at about 300 contact points for pilgrims in Muzdalifah, beside the Jamarat Bridge facility in Mina.
