Al-Jamarat as-Sughra ("the small pillar") is one of the 3 pillars that pilgrims stone at Mina during the Days of Tashriq (11, 12, 13 Dhul-Hijjah).
The 3 pillars are: Al-Jamarat as-Sughra (Small pillar, the first one visited), Al-Jamarat al-Wusta (Middle pillar), Al-Jamarat al-Kubra or al-Aqaba (Great pillar).
The ritual commemorates the trial of Ibrahim عليه السلام: when Allah ordered him to sacrifice his son Isma'il, Satan tried 3 times to turn him away from his obedience. Ibrahim threw 7 stones at him each time.
Tabari · Tafsir · Unanimous Islamic tradition
Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما reports:
> "When Ibrahim عليه السلام was commanded to perform the rites, Satan appeared to him at the place of the pillar. Ibrahim threw 7 stones at him, and Satan sank into the earth. Then he appeared at the second pillar, and Ibrahim threw 7 stones at him. Then at the third, and Ibrahim threw 7 stones at him."
Sahih al-Bukhari · Tabari
The pilgrim who throws the 7 pebbles at each pillar symbolically re-enacts Ibrahim's rejection of Satan. The Prophet ﷺ said:
> "The Tawaf around the House, the Sa'y between Safa and Marwah, and the stoning of the pillars have only been established for the remembrance of Allah."
Sunan Abu Dawud no. 1888 · Tirmidhi no. 902
During the Days of Tashriq, pilgrims stone in this order: Sughra (small) — Wusta (middle) — Aqaba (great). Total: 21 pebbles per day over 2 or 3 days.
The Saudi authorities have completely transformed the Jamarat area since the 2000s: a 5-level bridge, pillars extended into walls, a capacity of 300,000 pilgrims per hour, air conditioning under the bridge.