MINA, Saudi Arabia — Huge crowds of pilgrims gathered in the valley of Mina on Wednesday to perform one of the final rituals of the annual Hajj, throwing pebbles at pillars as temperatures climbed above 107 degrees Fahrenheit (42 Celsius). The physically demanding pilgrimage coincided with the beginning of Eid al-Adha, a major Islamic holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world.
As the pilgrims moved through Mina, they chanted “Allahu akbar,” which translates to “God is great.” The ritual is widely recognized as a symbolic stoning of the devil and signifies a broader rejection of evil. The act honors the Prophet Ibrahim’s steadfastness, commemorating his refusal to yield to temptation when the devil attempted to dissuade him from following God’s will.
The Hajj has unfolded this year under intense heat conditions that have tested the endurance of participants. To cope with the punishing weather, many attendees adapted their routines by carrying umbrellas to block the direct sun or repeatedly pouring water over their heads to cool themselves.
Saudi authorities have consistently highlighted the necessity of drinking ample water and reducing direct exposure to sunlight throughout the multi-day journey. The National Center of Meteorology has been actively tracking the conditions, sharing the high temperature readings as the heat wave persisted across the region.
The ritual at Mina signals the winding down of the pilgrimage season. As pilgrims in Saudi Arabia worked through the final rites, Muslims globally began observing Eid al-Adha, marking the culmination of the annual spiritual journey.