Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia Perform Stoning of the Devil Ritual on Eid al-Adha

Rabat – Millions of Muslim pilgrims gathered today in the Mina valley near Mecca to perform the “stoning of the devil” ritual, marking the culmination of this year’s hajj pilgrimage.

Beginning at dawn, approximately 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the ritual, hurling seven stones each at three concrete walls symbolizing Satan’s temptations faced by Abraham.

The ritual holds deep significance as it commemorates Abraham’s unwavering obedience to God’s command, rejecting the devil’s attempts to dissuade him from sacrificing his son.

The pilgrimage, known as Hajj, is a cornerstone of the Islamic faith and one of the five pillars of Islam. The ritual draws participants from around the globe.

This year’s Hajj coincides with an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 46 degrees Celsius in Arafat the previous day.

Reports from medical centers indicated over 225 cases of heat stress and fatigue among pilgrims.

In Saudi Arabia, today marks the celebration of Eid al Adha, which commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son and is marked by the slaughtering of livestock and the sharing of meat with the poor.

This year’s celebrations have not been without geopolitical undertones, as pilgrims voice solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza.

However, Saudi authorities have emphasized the pilgrimage’s religious significance, discouraging any political demonstrations during the proceedings.