Is sequence mandatory when pelting the three Jamarat (stoning pillars)?
Chapter on the Description of Hajj
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
Sequence in pelting the Jamarat is obligatory. If a pilgrim reverses the order, starting with the Jamrat al-Aqabah (the farthest), then the middle one, and finally the first one, the act is invalid unless the middle and farthest stones are repeated in the correct order. Imam Ahmad established this ruling. If one pelts the farthest, then the first, then the middle one, only the farthest stone needs to be repeated. This view is held by Malik and Al-Shafi'i. The obligation rests on the Prophet's established practice, as he ordered, "Take your rites from me," and because it is a repeated rite, sequence is required, analogous to Sa'i (running between Safa and Marwah).
Supporting text
Al-Hasan and 'Ata hold that sequence is not obligatory. This is also the position of Abu Hanifa, who stated that if one pelts them out of sequence, they must repeat the action, but if they do not repeat, the initial act suffices. Their evidence rests on the Hadith stating, "Whoever brings forward a rite before its proper rite, there is no blame," and the argument that since these are repeated rites in separate locations during the same time, none being subordinate to the other, sequence is not required, similar to the throwing and the slaughtering.