Millions of Pilgrims Perform ‘Stoning of the Devil’ as Hajj Culminates in Mina

MINA, Saudi Arabia — More than 1.6 million Muslim pilgrims gathered in Mina on Friday to perform the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual, one of the final and most significant rites of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, as Muslims around the world commenced Eid al-Adha celebrations.

Starting before sunrise, throngs of pilgrims made their way to the Jamarat complex, where they threw seven pebbles at each of the three stone pillars that represent Satan. The act reenacts the Islamic tradition of Prophet Abraham rejecting Satan’s temptations at three locations, reaffirming faith and obedience to God.

The stoning ritual follows the previous day’s powerful gathering at Mount Arafat, where pilgrims prayed and recited the Quran in remembrance of Prophet Mohammed’s final sermon. Despite scorching temperatures, many pilgrims ascended the rocky hill, though officials advised them to stay indoors between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm due to extreme heat.

Saudi authorities rolled out comprehensive heat mitigation efforts and intensified checks to prevent unauthorized pilgrims from participating in the Hajj. The measures aimed to safeguard the health and well-being of worshippers during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.

The Hajj, a religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it once in their lifetime, continues to unite millions in faith, discipline, and devotion.

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