Why Do Pilgrims Throw Stones At The Pillars Of Mina?

Muslims throw stones at the point of Mina. There are three pillars on that point. It is an important ritual and step of Hajj.

The historical significance of Jamarat ritual hails from Prophet Ibraheem when the devil appeared to him three times. At each of the appearances, Angel Jibraeel (Gabriel) told Prophet Ibraheem (Abraham) to pelt the devil. Thus, the basis of the significance of the ritual.

The ritual re-enacts Ibrahim AS a pilgrimage to Mecca as explained by the Muslim historian al-Azraqi: When he left Mina and was brought down to al-Aqaba, the Devil appeared to him at Stone-Heap of the Defile. Jibrael said to him: "Pelt him!" so Ibrahim threw seven stones at him so that he disappeared from him. Then he appeared to him at the Middle Stone-Heap. Jibrael said to him: "Pelt him!" so he pelted him with seven stones so that he disappeared from him. Then he appeared to him at the Little Stone-Heap. Jibrael said to him: "Pelt him!" so he pelted him with seven stones like the little stones for throwing with a sling. So the Devil withdrew from him.

All three jamarāt represent the devil: the first and largest represents his temptation of Ibrahim against sacrificing Ismael the second represents the temptation of Ibrahim AS's wife Hajra to induce her to stop him; the third represents his temptation of Ismael to avoid being sacrificed. He was rebuked each time, and the throwing of the stones symbolizes those rebukes.

The stoning of the jamarāt also represents the repudiation of man's self and the act of casting aside one's low desires and wishes.