Pilgrims Stone Satan near Mecca on the first day of Eid Al-Adha

Wednesday 27 May 2026 - 08:15

Muslim pilgrims gathered Wednesday near the holy city of Mecca to perform the symbolic “stoning of Satan,” one of the final major rituals of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, as Muslims around the world marked the beginning of Eid Al-Adha.

From early morning, large groups of worshippers moved through the valley of Mina, located a few kilometers from Mecca, where pilgrims threw small stones at giant concrete pillars representing Satan. The ritual commemorates the story of the Prophet Abraham, who, according to Islamic tradition, rejected Satan’s attempts to dissuade him from obeying God’s command.

More than 1.7 million pilgrims are taking part in this year’s Hajj, according to official figures. The pilgrimage is taking place amid regional tensions in the Middle East following months of conflict involving Iran and a coalition led by Israel and the United States. Although a ceasefire has been in place since April, uncertainty continues to weigh on the region.

Despite the difficult geopolitical climate, pilgrims continued their spiritual journey under extremely high temperatures. Earlier this week, worshippers gathered on Mount Arafat, considered the most important stage of the pilgrimage, where temperatures reached nearly 45°C. Pilgrims later spent the night in Muzdalifah, collecting pebbles for the stoning ritual before returning to Mina.

After completing the symbolic stoning, pilgrims head back to Mecca to perform a final circumambulation around the Kaaba, the sacred structure at the center of the Grand Mosque toward which Muslims worldwide direct their prayers.

The ritual coincides with Eid Al-Adha, one of the most important celebrations in Islam. The holiday honors Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael before God provided a ram in his place, according to Islamic belief. Muslims traditionally mark the occasion by sacrificing an animal, often a sheep, and distributing part of the meat to people in need.