An elderly or disabled pilgrim who cannot reach the Jamarat or who would face serious harm from the crowds may appoint a proxy to stone on their behalf. The proxy should have already stoned for themselves first, then stone on behalf of the elderly person at each Jamrah. This is permitted by the majority of scholars and is a well-established concession in Hajj for those unable to perform the rite.
An elderly or disabled pilgrim who is genuinely unable to reach the Jamarat — due to physical inability, severe illness, or the risk of serious harm from the extreme crowding — may appoint a proxy to stone on their behalf. This is permitted by all four schools of jurisprudence and is a well-established concession based on the principle that Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.
Sheikh Ibn Baz stated that the proxy should first stone for themselves at each Jamrah, then stone for the elderly person at the same Jamrah, before moving to the next Jamrah. This means at Jamrat al-Sughra, the proxy throws seven pebbles for himself, then seven for the elderly person, then moves to Jamrat al-Wusta and repeats the process, and finally at Jamrat al-Aqabah. He also permitted the proxy to complete all their own stoning at all three Jamarat first, then repeat the circuit for the elderly person, though the first method is preferred.
Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen clarified that the concession for proxy stoning is for genuine inability, not mere inconvenience. A person who can reach the Jamarat — even with difficulty — should stone for themselves, using a wheelchair or with assistance if needed. Proxy stoning is for those who truly cannot be present, such as a bedridden pilgrim or one whose condition would genuinely deteriorate from the journey to the Jamarat. Women who fear the extreme crowding may also appoint a proxy.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding the sick: 'They may appoint someone to stone on their behalf.' This was the practice of the Companions for those who could not reach the Jamarat.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding the sick: 'They may appoint someone to stone on their behalf.' This was the practice of the Companions for those who could not reach the Jamarat.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.'
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.'
Scholars from different schools of Islamic jurisprudence offer varying perspectives on this matter.
Proxy stoning is permissible for the elderly, disabled, and sick. The proxy stones for themselves first at each Jamrah, then for the represented person.
Al-Hidayah: those unable to stone may appoint a proxy based on the principle of necessity.
Proxy stoning is permitted for those with genuine inability. The Maliki school prefers that the proxy stone at each Jamrah for both persons before moving to the next.
Maliki scholars permit proxy stoning for the genuinely incapacitated.
The elderly and disabled may appoint a proxy for stoning. The proxy should stone for themselves first at each Jamrah, then for the person they represent.
Al-Majmu' by al-Nawawi: proxy stoning is valid for those unable to perform it themselves.
Proxy stoning is permissible for those who cannot reach the Jamarat due to illness, disability, or extreme old age. The proxy performs the stoning in order.
Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudamah: proxy stoning is established for the incapacitated.
This is a scholarly summary, not a personal fatwa. Consult your scholar for personal rulings.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding the sick: 'They may appoint someone to stone on their behalf.' This was the practice of the Companions for those who could not reach the Jamarat.
Sunan al-Bayhaqi #9842 (hasan)The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.'
Sahih al-Bukhari #4679 (sahih)