Masses of pilgrims have embarked on a symbolic stoning of the devil in Saudi Arabia, marking the final days of Hajj pilgrimage and the start of the Eid al-Adha celebrations for Muslims around the world.
Muslim pilgrims gather at top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, June 15, 2024. – Masses of pilgrims on Sunday embarked on a symbolic stoning of the devil in Saudi Arabia. The ritual marks the final days ofThe stoning is among the final rites of the Hajj, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It came a day after more than 1.
Pilgrims will spend the next three days in Mina, where they walk long distances on pedestrian-only streets toward a multi-story complex housing large pillars. There, they cast seven pebbles each at three pillars in a ritual meant to symbolize the casting away of evil and sin. Once the Hajj is over, men are expected to shave their heads and remove the shroud-like white garments worn during the pilgrimage, and women to snip a lock of hair in a sign of renewal and rebirth.
More than 1.83 million Muslims performed Hajj in 2024, Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan al-Rabiah said in a briefing, slightly less than last year’s figures when 1.84 million made the rituals.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'No joy left': Palestinians express grief ahead of Eid al AdhaPalestinians in the occupied West Bank struggle with economic woes, violence before Eid al Adha as Israel freezes 80,000 work permits ahead of holiday.
Read more »
Muslims converge at Mount Arafat for daylong worship as Hajj reaches peakThe ritual at Mount Arafat, known as the hill of mercy, is is often the most memorable for pilgrims, who stand shoulder to shoulder, feet to feet, asking God for mercy.
Read more »
In Mecca's sweltering heat, Muslims start this year's Hajj pilgrimageMuslim pilgrims have converged on a vast tent camp in the desert near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, officially beginning the annual Hajj.
Read more »
In Mecca's sweltering heat, Muslims start this year's Hajj pilgrimageMuslim pilgrims have converged on a vast tent camp in the desert near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, officially beginning the annual Hajj. Saudi officials say more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in Mecca so far. They expect the number to exceed participation last year, when more than 1.8 million people performed Hajj.
Read more »
In Mecca's sweltering heat, Muslims start this year's Hajj pilgrimageMuslim pilgrims have converged on a vast tent camp in the desert near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, officially beginning the annual Hajj.
Read more »
More than 1.5M Muslims arrive in Mecca for annual Hajj pilgrimageOne of the world’s largest religious gatherings, the Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. All Muslims are required to undertake it at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so.
Read more »