Stoning from the upper levels of the الجمرات Bridge is valid عند all contemporary scholars, including ابن باز and ابن عثيمين. The multi-level structure was built to reduce crowding and save lives. The pebbles fall into the same basin regardless of the level from which they are thrown. The stoning is valid from any level and carries the same reward.
Stoning the الجمرات from the upper levels of the الجمرات complex is completely valid عند the consensus of contemporary scholars. The Saudi government built the multi-level الجمرات Bridge specifically to reduce the dangerous crowding that historically caused stampedes and deaths during the stoning ritual. The pillars (now basins) extend through all levels, and pebbles thrown from any level fall into the same collection basin.
الشيخ ابن باز explicitly endorsed stoning from the upper levels, stating that the pebbles reach the same Jamarah regardless of the level from which they are thrown. He noted that using the upper levels is not only جائز but may be preferable for those who would face danger from crowding on the lower levels, as preserving life is a fundamental Islamic principle. The اللجنة الدائمة issued the same ruling.
الشيخ ابن عثيمين confirmed that stoning from any level is equally valid and rewarded. He noted that the requirement is for the pebbles to hit the pillar or fall into the basin area — the height from which they are thrown is irrelevant to the validity of the act. He مستحب that الحجاج choose the level with the least crowding to perform the stoning safely and with focus. الفوزان added that the multi-level structure is a modern ijtihad (scholarly effort) to protect الحجاج, and scholars unanimously support its use.
النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) stoned Jamrat al-Aqabah with seven pebbles, saying 'Allahu Akbar' with each throw.
النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) stoned Jamrat al-Aqabah with seven pebbles, saying 'Allahu Akbar' with each throw.
النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: 'Use pebbles like these' — referring to small stones — and warned against extremism in religion.
النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: 'Use pebbles like these' — referring to small stones — and warned against extremism in religion.
Scholars from different schools of Islamic jurisprudence offer varying perspectives on this matter.
Stoning from the upper levels is valid. The requirement is that the pebbles reach the Jamarah, which they do regardless of the level. Modern structures are permitted.
Contemporary Hanafi scholars endorse the multi-level structure for safety reasons.
The Maliki school validates stoning from any level of the الجمرات complex. The essence of the act is throwing the pebbles at the Jamarah, which is fulfilled from any level.
Contemporary Maliki scholars support the use of the upper levels for safety.
Stoning from the upper level is fully valid. The Shafi'i school focuses on the pebble reaching the Jamarah basin, which is achieved from all levels.
Contemporary Shafi'i scholars validate stoning from all levels of the الجمرات complex.
The Hanbali school validates stoning from any level. ابن باز and ابن عثيمين, both Hanbali scholars, explicitly endorsed the upper levels.
ابن باز and ابن عثيمين in their fatwas confirmed the validity of stoning from all levels.
This is a scholarly summary, not a personal fatwa. Consult your scholar for personal rulings.
النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) stoned Jamrat al-Aqabah with seven pebbles, saying 'Allahu Akbar' with each throw.
Sahih Muslim #1299 (sahih)النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: 'Use pebbles like these' — referring to small stones — and warned against extremism in religion.
Sunan al-Nasa'i #3057 (sahih)