Mina: The 'melontar' (stone throwing) ritual, also known as the Stoning of the Devil, performed by pilgrims in Mina, is not merely an act to fulfill the requirements of Sharia but carries a deeper meaning as a symbol of self-renewal and rejection of the mazmumah (negative) traits in the life of a Muslim. Tabung Haji (TH) Guidance Operations Director Shahrin Awaludin emphasized the significance of the ritual, highlighting its role in the spiritual journey of the pilgrims.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shahrin Awaludin explained that the act of stoning involves throwing pebbles at three jamrahs, namely Jamrah Ula, Wusta, and Kubra. This ritual, carried out from the 10th to 13th Zulhijjah, emulates the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad SAW and commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim A.S. Shahrin stated, "This stoning ritual symbolizes the casting away of the mazmumah traits such as arrogance, defiance, and all reprehensible qualities in oneself. It serves as a spiritual commitment for pilgrims to become better individuals after completing the haj pilgrimage."
He further elaborated that the stoning ritual demands not only physical effort but is also a profound spiritual practice. It aligns closely with the true essence of Haj, aiming to return home with a purified soul and a heart fully submissive to Allah SWT. "Throwing the stones isn't merely a physical act; it's a declaration of the heart, a sincere pledge to change, to abandon sin, and to return to a pure, natural state," he added.
Shahrin also mentioned that TH organized a tazkirah (talk) session about Mina to help Malaysian pilgrims better understand the significance behind each ritual and obligation of the Haj, including the stoning of the Jamrah. "TH conducted continuous guidance and tazkirah sessions for pilgrims after the Fajr and Zuhr prayers throughout their stay in Mina to remind them of the proper guidelines for worship, including the stone throwing of the Jamrah, the early tahalul, and the difference between nafar awal and nafar thani," he said.
Pilgrims were encouraged to make full use of their long stay in Mina by increasing their personal worship, such as performing sunnah prayers, reading the Quran, engaging in dhikr, and participating in other spiritually beneficial activities. The Malaysian pilgrims began their journey from Arafah to Muzdalifah immediately after the Maghrib prayer, around 7 pm, and 'mabit' in Muzdalifah before continuing their journey to Mina.
The Masyair operation marks the culmination of the haj operation, involving the movement of Malaysian pilgrims to Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina over five days from 8th to 13th Zulhijjah to complete the pillar and obligatory haj rituals.