Final Hajj rituals underway as pilgrims stone pillars in Mina

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Jamarat area in Mina, near Makkah, on Wednesday, May 27, to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil, marking the conclusion of the main Hajj rituals.

From early morning, pilgrims threw pebbles at three concrete pillars representing Satan, following the tradition commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) rejection of Satan's attempts to dissuade him from obeying Allah's command.

Saudi authorities implemented special measures to ensure safety and order. Despite intense heat, pilgrims participated with patience and religious devotion.

On Tuesday, pilgrims spent the day at the plain of Arafat, considered the most important part of Hajj, where they engaged in prayers and sought Allah's forgiveness. It was there that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his Farewell Sermon. Temperatures reached nearly 45 degrees Celsius.

From Arafat, pilgrims travelled to Muzdalifah, spending the night under the open sky, where they collected pebbles for the stoning ritual. They then returned to Mina to stone the three Jamarat.

Over 1.7 million pilgrims from around the world participated in Hajj this year. The pilgrimage took place amid international concerns due to ongoing Middle East tensions, particularly US-Israeli hostilities against Iran.

Finally, pilgrims returned to Makkah to perform the Tawaf of the Holy Kaaba, the concluding ritual of Hajj. The final days of Hajj coincide with Eid-ul-Azha celebrations, spreading a festive atmosphere across Saudi Arabia.