Muslims on Hajj pilgrimage perform symbolic stoning of devil

ISTANBUL

Muslims on the Hajj pilgrimage performed the symbolic stoning of the devil, known as Rami al-Jamarat, on the outskirts of Mecca city in western Saudi Arabia on Monday, the second day of Eid al-Adha and the first day of the three-day Tashreeq ritual.

The Mina rituals commemorate Prophet Ibraham's stoning of Satan, who is said to have appeared three times to tempt the prophet.

Pilgrims throw small pebbles at the three pillars for three days beginning Monday, symbolizing the devil.

According to Islamic rituals, each pilgrim will throw seven pebbles on each of the three Tashreeq days.

The Saudi official news agency SPA said "multiple pathways were designated across the various floors of the Jamarat facility to ensure a smooth flow of pilgrims and manage the crowd."

The Hajj season began on Friday, the Day of Tarwiyah. On Saturday, pilgrims stood at Arafat, the greatest pillar of Hajj, and then spent the night in Muzdalifah, as the rituals continued for six days.

Hajj is one of Islam's five pillars, and all Muslims are required to perform the Hajj ritual at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to perform it.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar