Throwing Jamrat-ul-`Aqabah before sunrise

Q 2: After we returned home from Muzdalifah at 3 A.M. In the morning, my father and brothers went to throw the pebbles at Jamarat-ul-`Aqabah (the closest pebble-throwing area to Makkah). My mother and I authorized them to throw the pebbles on our behalf. They finished throwing the pebbles shortly before or along with the Adhan (call to Prayer) for Fajr (Dawn) Prayer. Is their throwing the pebbles at Jamarat-ul-`Aqabah before sunrise valid or not?

A: It is permissible to throw the pebbles at Jamarat-ul-`Aqabah after midnight of the Day of Nahr (Sacrifice, 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, when pilgrims slaughter their sacrificial animals). Also, it is permissible for the incapable persons to authorize someone to throw on their behalf. However, it is better for the capable persons to throw on the day of `Eid-ul-Adha (the Festival of the Sacrifice) after sunrise following the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him).