Mina, Saudi Arabia – Pilgrims gathered in Mina, Saudi Arabia, to partake in the symbolic stoning of the devil as part of the final rites of the Hajj pilgrimage, marking the start of Eid al-Adha celebrations for Muslims worldwide. The ritual, a key component of the Five Pillars of Islam, took place following the gathering of over 1.8 million pilgrims at Mount Arafat, where they engage in the annual five-day pilgrimage rituals.
During the Hajj pilgrimage, tragedy struck as fourteen Jordanian pilgrims succumbed to sunstroke, prompting Jordanian authorities to coordinate with Saudi officials for the burial of the deceased. Accompanying the intense heat, more than 2,760 pilgrims suffered from sunstroke and heat stress in a single day, with health officials cautioning against the sun’s peak exposure and emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated.
Following their departure from Mount Arafat, pilgrims traveled to Muzdalifa, where they collected stones to use in symbolically stoning pillars representing the devil in the sacred site of Mina. This act commemorates Ibrahim’s faith being tested by God’s command to sacrifice his son, Ismail.
Despite the scorching temperatures, pilgrims continued their journey, sweltering in the heat as they made their way to the stoning areas in Mina. Many relied on umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun’s harsh rays, with reports of elderly pilgrims collapsing due to the extreme heat. Security forces and medical personnel were on hand to assist those in need, offering aid and transportation to cooling facilities.
The pilgrimage rituals extend over three days, with pilgrims casting seven pebbles at three pillars as a symbolic gesture of casting away evil and sin. Additionally, pilgrims perform the circumambulation of the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque and partake in the Farewell Tawaf as they prepare to conclude their Hajj journey in the holy city.
Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, coincides with the Hajj rituals, where Muslims commemorate Ibrahim’s test of faith through the sacrifice of livestock and the distribution of meat to the less fortunate. Many nations observed Eid al-Adha on Sunday, with others, like Indonesia, celebrating the following day.
As pilgrims fulfill their religious obligations, conflicts and hardships persist in various regions, underscoring the importance of unity and support within the Arabic and Islamic communities. Despite the challenges faced during this year’s Hajj, the spirit of devotion and resilience remains strong among pilgrims as they complete their sacred journey.