Pilgrims Begin Final Hajj Rites in Saudi Arabia as Muslims Worldwide Celebrate Eid al-Adha

Millions of Muslim pilgrims gathered in Saudi Arabia on Sunday to participate in the ritual of stoning the devil, marking the final days of the Hajj, or Islamic pilgrimage. The scorching summer heat did not deter the pilgrims, who braved temperatures reaching 47°C (116.6°F) in Mecca and 46°C (114.8°F) in Mina, to complete their sacred journey.

The stoning ritual, which is among the final rites of the Hajj, is a reenactment of the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who was commanded by God to sacrifice his son Ismail. The pilgrims, who had congregated at Mount Arafat the previous day, made their way to the sacred hill of Mina, where they collected pebbles to use in the symbolic stoning of pillars representing the devil.

Despite the sweltering heat, many pilgrims expressed joy and gratitude at being able to complete their pilgrimage. "Thank God, (the process) was joyful and good," said Abdel-Moaty Abu Ghoneima, an Egyptian pilgrim. "No one wants more than this."

The Hajj, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a mandatory pilgrimage for Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey. This year, over 1.83 million Muslims performed the Hajj, slightly less than last year's figures.

Why it Matters: The Hajj is a significant event in the Islamic calendar, and its completion marks the beginning of the Eid al-Adha celebrations, which commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son. The pilgrimage is also a symbol of unity and solidarity among Muslims, who come from diverse backgrounds and countries to perform the sacred rituals.

As the pilgrims prepare to leave Mecca, they will spend up to three days in Mina, casting seven pebbles at three pillars in a ritual to symbolize the casting away of evil and sin. They will also visit the Grand Mosque to perform their "tawaf," or circumambulation, which involves circling the Kaaba seven times.

The Eid al-Adha celebrations, which coincide with the Hajj, are marked by the sacrifice of livestock and animals, and the distribution of meat to the poor. The holiday is a time of prayer, reflection, and charity, and is celebrated by Muslims around the world

Key Takeaways : 

• Over 1.8 million Muslims gathered in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage despite scorching heat.
• Hajj is mandatory for Muslims who can physically and financially undertake the journey.
• The stoning ritual symbolizes defiance against evil, reenacting Prophet Ibrahim's story.
• Eid al-Adha celebrations include sacrificing livestock and distributing meat to the poor.
• The pilgrimage symbolizes unity and solidarity among Muslims from diverse backgrounds and countries.

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