MECCA : Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims gathered in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday to perform the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual, one of the final major rites of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, as Muslims worldwide began celebrating Eid al-Adha.
Hajj Pilgrims moved through the massive Jamarat complex chanting “Allahu akbar” — meaning “God is great” while throwing pebbles at large pillars symbolizing Satan.
The ritual commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s rejection of temptation when the devil attempted to dissuade him from obeying God’s command.
The pebbles were collected overnight in Muzdalifah after pilgrims spent Tuesday in prayer and worship at Mount Arafat, considered the spiritual peak of the Hajj journey.
Pakistani pilgrim Aamar Shakur described the ritual as deeply personal, saying he was “throwing the stone to my own devil.”
The final days of Hajj coincide with Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” which honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
During the holiday, Muslims around the world traditionally sacrifice sheep or cattle and distribute meat to the poor and needy.
The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is required once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey.
This year’s pilgrimage has taken place under intense summer heat in Saudi Arabia, with temperatures affecting many worshippers as they traveled between holy sites.
Medical teams stationed across Mina were seen assisting pilgrims suffering from exhaustion and dehydration.
Many pilgrims poured water over their heads to stay cool, while others carried umbrellas to shield themselves from the scorching sun. Families were also seen pushing elderly relatives in wheelchairs through the large crowds so they could complete the important ritual.
Saudi officials earlier confirmed that more than 1.5 million pilgrims arrived from abroad for this year’s Hajj season.
The pilgrimage is also unfolding amid regional uncertainty following the fragile ceasefire linked to the recent Iran conflict, though Saudi authorities have maintained extensive security and crowd management measures throughout the holy journey.
