The ruling on stoning the pillars before the sun reaches its zenith on the thirteenth day

Question:
The third question says: If we find it difficult to wait for the sun to reach its zenith, which is the time for stoning the pillars on the thirteenth day, is it permissible for us to stone the pillars before the zenith? Is there a difference of opinion among the schools of jurisprudence on this?

Answer:
It is not permissible for the Muslim to stone the pillars before the sun reaches its zenith. Rather, on the twelfth and thirteenth days—and not the eleventh—he must stone the pillars after the zenith and must not hasten to stone them before the zenith. There is a difference of opinion on this; some scholars hold that on the day of departure, there is no harm in advancing the stoning. However, not every difference of opinion is considered valid; only a difference of opinion that has a share of validity is considered. Not every difference of opinion is accepted, because this difference of opinion contradicts the Sunnah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stoned the pillars after the zenith, even on the thirteenth day. He did not depart until after he had stoned the pillars after the zenith, then he departed and prayed at al-Abtah, the midday prayer and the afternoon prayer. So do not leave Mina; do not stone the pillars except after the zenith, even on the seventh day.