Millions of Pilgrims Begin Stoning Ritual as Core Hajj Rites Commence in Mina
More than 1.6 million pilgrims have arrived in Mina after departing from Muzdalifah, as the main rituals of Hajj officially began on Wednesday, May 27, with the symbolic stoning of the devil on the holy day of Eid al-Adha.
Pilgrims from around the world started gathering from 8:00 am Bangladesh time to take part in the important ritual of throwing stones at the largest Jamarat pillar, symbolizing rejection of evil.
The activities are being broadcast live by Makkah Live through three streaming channels, with simultaneous coverage on YouTube and various television websites. The scenes of pilgrims expressing hatred toward Satan while chanting “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” have spiritually energized Muslims across the globe.
During the 11th, 12th and 13th days of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims perform the stoning ritual at all three Jamarat pillars — Jamarat al-Ula (small pillar), Jamarat al-Wusta (middle pillar) and Jamarat al-Aqaba (largest pillar). Pilgrims use pebbles collected in advance for the symbolic act.
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Saudi Arabia and several Middle Eastern countries are celebrating Eid al-Adha on Wednesday. In accordance with Islamic tradition, financially capable Muslims are offering sacrificial animals seeking the pleasure of Allah.
On Thursday, pilgrims will shave or trim their hair before returning to the Kaaba in Makkah. After performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, they will once again carry out the stoning ritual before completing another Tawaf, marking the conclusion of the Hajj rituals.
The symbolic stoning began immediately after Fajr prayers, with pilgrims already prepared with collected pebbles. Over the next three days, they will continue performing the ritual at the three Jamarat pillars.
Despite heightened tensions in the Middle East due to the conflict involving Iran, United States and Israel, more than 1.5 million Muslims from around the world have traveled to Saudi Arabia this year to perform Hajj.
DBTech/SI/EK/OR
