Stoning from the upper levels of the Jamarat Bridge is valid according to all contemporary scholars, including Ibn Baz and Ibn Uthaymeen. 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 Jamarat from the upper levels of the Jamarat complex is completely valid according to the consensus of contemporary scholars. The Saudi government built the multi-level Jamarat 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.
Sheikh Ibn Baz 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 permissible 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 Permanent Committee issued the same ruling.
Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen 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 recommended that pilgrims choose the level with the least crowding to perform the stoning safely and with focus. Al-Fawzan added that the multi-level structure is a modern ijtihad (scholarly effort) to protect pilgrims, and scholars unanimously support its use.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stoned Jamrat al-Aqabah with seven pebbles, saying 'Allahu Akbar' with each throw.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stoned Jamrat al-Aqabah with seven pebbles, saying 'Allahu Akbar' with each throw.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Use pebbles like these' — referring to small stones — and warned against extremism in religion.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) 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 Jamarat 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 Jamarat complex.
The Hanbali school validates stoning from any level. Ibn Baz and Ibn Uthaymeen, both Hanbali scholars, explicitly endorsed the upper levels.
Ibn Baz and Ibn Uthaymeen 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.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stoned Jamrat al-Aqabah with seven pebbles, saying 'Allahu Akbar' with each throw.
Sahih Muslim #1299 (sahih)The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Use pebbles like these' — referring to small stones — and warned against extremism in religion.
Sunan al-Nasa'i #3057 (sahih)