Pilgrims to perform symbolic stoning of Devil today

The holy Hajj pilgrimage began on Monday, followed by the gathering of more than 17 lakh pilgrims at the plains of Arafat on Tuesday (26 May). Today, Wednesday, marks the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah. After offering Fajr prayers, pilgrims departed from Muzdalifah and headed toward Mina, where they performed the first symbolic stoning of the largest devil at Jamarat al-Aqabah.

On the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims continue the ritual by throwing pebbles at all three Jamarat pillars — Al-Ula (small), Al-Wusta (middle), and Al-Aqabah (large), symbolically representing Satan.

Pilgrims use pebbles collected earlier for this symbolic ritual of stoning the three pillars.

Despite tensions in the Middle East due to the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, more than 1.5 million worshippers from around the world have arrived to perform Hajj this year.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory at least once in a lifetime for every financially and physically capable Muslim.

During this year's Hajj season, temperatures in the holy city of Makkah have reached 44 degrees Celsius. Saudi authorities have advised pilgrims to drink plenty of water and take precautions against extreme heat and sun exposure.