Is it necessary to pick up the pebbles for stoning the pillars from Muzdalifah?

Question : May Allah bless you. This questioner also says: Shaykh, is it necessary to pick up the pebbles for stoning the pillars from Muzdalifah?

Answer : It is necessary to pick up the pebbles for stoning the pillars from Muzdalifah; in fact, it is not even a recommended practice (sunnah), because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not pick up the pebbles for stoning the pillars from Muzdalifah, nor did he order his Companions to do so. Rather, they were picked up for him on his way from Muzdalifah to Mina, where he ordered Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) to pick up seven pebbles for him. Accordingly, when he arrived at Mina, he picked up the pebbles and threw them at the pillar. He should pick up seven pebbles, and on the second day, twenty-one pebbles, and on the third day, twenty-one pebbles, and on the fourth day, which is the thirteenth, if he delays his stoning, he does the same with twenty-one pebbles.