Faith and Tradition: Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia Perform Stoning of the Devil Ritual on Eid al-Adha
Mina Valley, Mecca — In a profound display of faith and tradition, millions of Muslim pilgrims convened in the Mina valley near Mecca today to perform the time-honored “stoning of the devil” ritual, marking the culmination of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
As dawn broke, approximately 1.8 million pilgrims participated in this symbolic act, casting seven stones each at three concrete walls that represent Satan’s temptations faced by the Prophet Abraham. This ritual is deeply significant, commemorating Abraham’s steadfast obedience to God’s command and his rejection of the devil’s attempts to dissuade him from sacrificing his son.
The Hajj pilgrimage is a cornerstone of the Islamic faith, one of the five pillars of Islam, drawing participants from across the globe. This year’s pilgrimage coincides with an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 46 degrees Celsius in Arafat the previous day. Medical centers reported over 225 cases of heat stress and fatigue among the devoted pilgrims.
Today also marks the celebration of Eid al-Adha in Saudi Arabia, a festival that honors Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. This significant day is marked by the slaughtering of livestock and the sharing of meat with the less fortunate.
The pilgrimage this year has not been devoid of geopolitical undertones. Many pilgrims have voiced their solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s ongoing conflict with Gaza. Despite this, Saudi authorities have reiterated the pilgrimage’s religious significance, discouraging any political demonstrations during the sacred proceedings.
As millions of Muslims from around the world unite in this ritual, the enduring power of faith and tradition is poignantly highlighted, reminding us of the deep-rooted practices that continue to shape and define the Islamic world.
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