ASK MAULANA

is that there is a wrong notion prevalent among people. During Hajj, pilgrims have to perform the rite of stoning, that is, to hit a certain stone with pebbles. This rite is known as rami al-jamar. The stone they are required to hit represents Satan and hitting it with their pebbles signifies their pledge not to come under satanic influences. Therefore, this rite is performed to consciously instill in oneself the spirit of not letting oneself be influenced by satanic promptings and remain steadfast on God’s path. Pilgrims think that unless they physically hit the stone with their pebbles, their rite will not be complete. But this is a wrong notion. One does not need to actually hit the stone with the pebble, stoning from a distance too is enough, as it is symbolic stoning and not real stoning. Stampedes occur when pilgrims rush to actually hit the stone with the pebbles in their hands. Pilgrims need to understand the underlying spirit of the rite of rami al-jamar and realize that a symbolic but conscious stoning is sufficient to complete the rite. Which aspect of Hajj highlights the concept of Ijtihad? Ijtihad means to reapply the teachings of Islam to a new situation. In today’s age, the principle of ijtihad is a necessity. Ijtihad is a principle to be followed in every age. It was used even at the time of the Prophet. For example, the Quran says: “Call humankind to the Pilgrimage. They will come to you, on foot, and on every kind of lean camel, by every distant track” (22: 27). This verse calls on all Muslims to perform the Hajj to Makkah on camelback. In today’s times, this command cannot be followed literally, and is taken to mean: ‘Use the available means of transportation for the Hajj.’ This is why we see today Muslims travelling to Makkah from around the globe by modern means of conveyance; nobody comes on camel. This is an example of reapplying the above Quranic verse to modern-day situations. In life, situations and circumstances always change and thus there is a need to re-study and re-apply the original teachings of Islam, rather than following religious teachings literally. o