Why do hajj pilgrims throw stones at the walls in Mina?

During the hajj, pilgrims perform the ritual of rajm, which involves casting stones at three walls known as jamrahs in the valley of Mina.

This act commemorates the tradition of the patriarch Abraham, who is said to have stoned Satan when the Devil attempted to dissuade him from obeying God’s commandment to sacrifice his son.1

Beyond this historical reenactment, the ritual carries deep spiritual significance:
* Symbolism: The act symbolizes the rejection of evil and the abandonment of worldly distractions.1
* Spiritual Protection: It serves as a means to protect pilgrims from evil as they return to their everyday lives.1
* Devotion: Rather than being viewed merely as a symbolic punishment of the Devil, the practice is considered a way to invoke the name of God, often accompanied by the recitation of religious formulas.1

The ritual is conducted with specific care, using small, natural stones to ensure the safety of all participants, reflecting the sacred nature of the pilgrimage.1