Muslim pilgrims ‘stone the devil’ as hajj nears end in Saudi Arabia

Pilgrims participating in the hajj performed the “stoning of the devil” ritual on Friday, coinciding with the start of Eid al-Adha, with over 1.6 million Muslims throwing stones at three walls representing the devil. This year’s hajj saw a reduced number of participants due to strict measures aimed at ensuring safety in extreme heat, following last year’s tragedy that claimed 1,301 lives. The pilgrimage concludes with Eid al-Adha, marked by animal sacrifice, and is a significant source of income and prestige for Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its role as the custodian of Islam’s holy sites.