Day 3 of Hajj 2012

In case you haven't caught on, Hajj is all about prophet Ibrahim when he was following Allah's command, we are basically tracing his steps on his journey when he went to Mecca.

So on day 3, the pilgrims start their journey back to Mina at dawn. Here they will throw stones at 3 pillars that represent the temptations of Satan.

Muslims performing the jamarat ritual 

When prophet Ibrahim was ordered to sacrifice his son Ismail, the devil attempted to dissuade him from following Allah's command at this location and appeared to him on the first stone heap. Jibril(Gabriel) said  to him: "Stone him!", and so prophet Ibrahim threw seven stones at him and he disappeared from him. He then re-appeared to him at the middle stone heap. Jibril said again: "Stone him!", so he stoned him seven stones and he disappeared. He then re-appeared at the little stone heap, and Jibril said again to stone him and he did. This time the Devil withdrew from him. The stoning of the pillars represent Ibrahim's rejection of satan and also the act of casting aside one's low desires and wishes.After throwing the stone pebbles, the pilgrims will slaughter a sheep or goat and donate the meat to the poor. The rest of us celebrate Eid al-adha, the festival of sacrifice on Friday October 26th.

On a side note, Jamani mmesikia vingunguti hizo bei za mbuzi, uwii, mbona kazi ipo, tutakula maboga Iddi hii.