Is Passing Through Muzdalifah Enough? Ruling on Staying and Collecting Stones

Learn the ruling on passing through Muzdalifah and collecting pebbles from any place.

  Mon , May 18 2026 / 01:19 PM Updated At: 2026-05-18 13:22:19

Ruling on Staying in Muzdalifah

Many pilgrims wonder whether it is permissible to pass through Muzdalifah without staying, especially due to the heavy crowds during Hajj.

Scholars have clarified that Islamic law allows ease for pilgrims. Staying in Muzdalifah is not strictly required in a difficult way; rather, it is sufficient for the pilgrim to stay briefly, such as the time needed to settle or perform Maghrib and Isha prayers.

Is Passing Through Muzdalifah Enough?

Yes, it is permissible to only pass through Muzdalifah, and there is no penalty if the stay is brief, especially with large crowds. This falls under easing hardship in Islamic rulings.


Ruling on Collecting Pebbles

Must Pebbles Be Collected from Muzdalifah?

It is commonly believed that pebbles must be collected from Muzdalifah, but this is not required.

Where Can Pebbles Be Collected?

Pilgrims may collect pebbles from anywhere, such as:

  • Muzdalifah
  • Mina
  • Any other place

There is no specific location required for valid stoning.


Ease in Islamic Law

These rulings reflect the objectives of Islamic law, which aim to remove hardship from people, especially in crowded acts of worship like Hajj.

The guidance is based on the practice of the Prophet ﷺ, as pebbles were collected for him in Mina, not necessarily in Muzdalifah.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

Being Strict About Pebble Location

Insisting on a specific place for collecting pebbles is considered unnecessary strictness. The main goal is performing the ritual correctly.

Using Large Stones

Pilgrims should use small pebbles, approximately the size of:

  • A chickpea

How to Perform the Stoning Ritual

Order of Stoning

Pilgrims should follow this sequence:

  1. Small Jamarah
  2. Middle Jamarah
  3. Jamarat Al-Aqabah

Each with seven pebbles.

Recommended Actions

  • Make supplication after the first and second Jamarah
  • Face the Qiblah while making du‘a

What Do These Rulings Mean for Pilgrims?

These rulings highlight the flexibility and ease in Islam, emphasizing that Hajj should be performed with devotion and without unnecessary hardship.


FAQ

Is it enough to just pass through Muzdalifah?
Yes, a brief stay is sufficient with no penalty.

Is staying in Muzdalifah mandatory?
It is not strictly required in a difficult sense.

Where should pebbles be collected from?
From any place, not only Muzdalifah.

What is the correct pebble size?
About the size of a chickpea.

How many pebbles per Jamarah?
Seven pebbles each.

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