As thousands of pilgrims complete the stoning of the Jamarat during Hajj, reports have emerged that some worshippers may have unintentionally performed the ritual incorrectly — either by stoning the wrong pillar, missing the prescribed time, or performing Rami before Zawal (midday).
Religious guidance being circulated among pilgrims indicates that many of these mistakes can still be corrected before the end of the Days of Tashreeq. However, pilgrims are being urged to act promptly, as uncorrected errors could require a fidyah (penalty sacrifice).
Here is a simple guide explaining what pilgrims need to know.
Can Rami performed before Zawal be counted?
According to guidance attributed to the Fatwa Department of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Rami performed before Zawal on the Days of Tashreeq is not considered valid and must be repeated.
Religious authorities reportedly advised pilgrims who performed the ritual before the prescribed time to repeat it according to the correct schedule.
I accidentally stoned the wrong pillar. What should I do?
One of the most common mistakes reported this year involves pilgrims who intended to stone Jamarat al-Aqaba (the Large Pillar) on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah but mistakenly threw pebbles at Jamarat al-Sughra (the Small Pillar).
If this happened, scholars advise pilgrims not to panic.
As long as the Days of Tashreeq have not ended, the mistake can still be corrected.
The pilgrim should go to Jamarat al-Aqaba, make the intention (niyyah) for qadha (make-up ritual), and throw seven pebbles at the Large Pillar.
Can missed Rami from previous days still be made up?
Yes.
Pilgrims staying in Mina until the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah can perform qadha for missed or invalid Rami from previous days.
This includes:
- Missing Rami altogether
- Stoning the wrong pillar
- Performing Rami outside the prescribed time
- Errors in the required sequence
What is the correct method for making up missed Rami?
If the mistake occurred on the 11th, 12th, or 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, the missed day’s ritual must be completed before performing the current day’s Rami.
Step 1: Complete the missed day’s Rami
Make the intention for qadha and stone:
- Jamarat al-Sughra (Small Pillar)
- Jamarat al-Wusta (Middle Pillar)
- Jamarat al-Kubra/Aqaba (Large Pillar)
Step 2: Perform today’s Rami
After completing the make-up ritual, return to the Small Pillar and perform the current day’s stoning in the same sequence:
- Small Pillar
- Middle Pillar
- Large Pillar
Does the order of days matter?
Yes.
Islamic scholars emphasize that maintaining the chronological order is essential.
For example, if a pilgrim missed Rami on the 11th of Dhul-Hijjah and realizes the mistake on the 13th, the missed ritual for the 11th must be completed first, followed by the 12th, and then the 13th.
Skipping the sequence may affect the validity of the ritual.
What if a pilgrim is unable to perform Rami personally?
If illness, physical weakness, crowd conditions, or other valid reasons prevent a pilgrim from performing Rami, a representative (wakil) may be appointed to perform the stoning on their behalf.
However, scholars note that pilgrims should seek guidance from their Hajj mission or religious advisors regarding their specific circumstances.
Does having an excuse automatically remove the fidyah requirement?
Not necessarily.
According to the guidance being circulated, having a valid excuse does not automatically waive the requirement of fidyah if an obligatory ritual remains incomplete or invalid and is not corrected within the allowed period.
What should pilgrims do right now?
Pilgrims who suspect they may have made a mistake should immediately consult their Hajj group’s scholars, Muftis, or official religious guides while they are still in Mina.
The opportunity to correct mistakes remains available during the Days of Tashreeq, but that window closes once the Hajj rites conclude.
The bottom line
If you performed Rami before the prescribed time, stoned the wrong pillar, missed a day’s ritual, or are unsure whether your stoning was valid, do not panic.
Most Rami-related mistakes can still be corrected through qadha before the end of the Days of Tashreeq. Seeking guidance and taking corrective action promptly can help pilgrims complete their Hajj rites correctly and avoid the need for a penalty sacrifice.
Also Read: Hajj rulings explained: Key questions every pilgrim must know
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