Each Jamarah must be stoned with exactly seven pebbles, following النبي's practice. Throwing fewer than seven means the stoning for that Jamarah is incomplete and must be completed. Throwing extra pebbles (more than seven) is مكروه but does not invalidate the stoning. Pebbles should be slightly larger than chickpeas. Using large rocks is prohibited, as النبي warned against extremism in religion.
The أُسس السنة is to throw exactly seven pebbles at each Jamarah, saying 'Allahu Akbar' with each throw. This is the consistent practice of النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and is considered واجب (واجب) by all four schools. Throwing fewer than seven pebbles means the stoning for that Jamarah is incomplete, and the missing pebbles must be thrown to complete it.
الشيخ ابن عثيمين explained that if a الحاج is uncertain whether they threw six or seven pebbles, they should throw an additional pebble to be safe, as they build on certainty (the lower number). However, deliberately throwing eight or more pebbles is مكروه (makruh) because it goes against the prophetic practice and النبي said: 'Use pebbles like these' (referring to small stones) and warned against exaggeration. The extra pebble does not invalidate the stoning but is contrary to the السنة.
Regarding the size of pebbles, الشيخ ابن باز specified that they should be slightly larger than a chickpea (approximately the size of a date pit or a small bean). Using large rocks, shoes, or other objects is prohibited, as النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) specifically warned against extremism (ghuluw) in this context. He said: 'O people, do not kill yourselves. Use pebbles like these,' indicating small stones. The pebbles should be collected from مزدلفة or anywhere along the way — they do not need to be washed, though some الحجاج prefer to wash them.
النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) stoned each Jamarah with seven pebbles, the size of pebbles used for slinging (slightly larger than chickpeas), saying 'Allahu Akbar' with each throw.
النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) stoned each Jamarah with seven pebbles, the size of pebbles used for slinging (slightly larger than chickpeas), saying 'Allahu Akbar' with each throw.
النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said on the morning of Jamrat al-Aqabah while mounted on his camel: 'Pick up (pebbles) for me.' I picked up pebbles for him, the size of small stones for slinging. He began to shake them in his hand and said: 'Use pebbles like these. And beware of extremism (ghuluw) in religion, for indeed those before you were destroyed because of extremism in religion.'
النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said on the morning of Jamrat al-Aqabah while mounted on his camel: 'Pick up (pebbles) for me.' I picked up pebbles for him, the size of small stones for slinging. He began to shake them in his hand and said: 'Use pebbles like these. And beware of extremism (ghuluw) in religion, for indeed those before you were destroyed because of extremism in religion.'
Scholars from different schools of Islamic jurisprudence offer varying perspectives on this matter.
Seven pebbles are required for each Jamarah. Throwing extra pebbles is مكروه. If fewer than seven are thrown, the stoning is incomplete. If four or more are thrown, a sadaqah is due for the missing ones. Fewer than four requires a dam.
Al-Hidayah: seven pebbles are required, and the majority must be thrown for the stoning to be valid.
Exactly seven pebbles per Jamarah. Extra pebbles are makruh. Missing pebbles must be made up. The pebbles should be small, like chickpeas or date pits.
Al-Mudawwanah: seven pebbles are واجب per Jamarah, following النبي's consistent practice.
Seven pebbles are required. Fewer invalidates the stoning for that Jamarah until completed. Extra pebbles are مكروه but do not invalidate. Pebbles should be small.
Al-Majmu' by al-Nawawi: 'Seven pebbles are واجب, and throwing extra is makruh.'
The Hanbali school requires seven pebbles per Jamarah. Missing even one pebble requires completion. Throwing extra is مكروه. Pebbles should be the size of chickpeas.
Al-Mughni by ابن قدامة: 'Seven pebbles are required, and less than seven is not sufficient.'
This is a scholarly summary, not a personal fatwa. Consult your scholar for personal rulings.
النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) stoned each Jamarah with seven pebbles, the size of pebbles used for slinging (slightly larger than chickpeas), saying 'Allahu Akbar' with each throw.
Sahih Muslim #1299 (sahih)النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said on the morning of Jamrat al-Aqabah while mounted on his camel: 'Pick up (pebbles) for me.' I picked up pebbles for him, the size of small stones for slinging. He began to shake them in his hand and said: 'Use pebbles like these. And beware of extremism (ghuluw) in religion, for indeed those before you were destroyed because of extremism in religion.'
Sunan al-Nasa'i #3057 (sahih)