Muslim pilgrims ‘stone the devil’ as hajj concludes in Saudi

Pilgrims are set to undertake the final major ritual of the hajj, the “stoning of the devil,” on Friday, coinciding with the start of Eid al-Adha. Over 1.6 million Muslims will throw stones at three concrete walls in Mina valley, symbolizing the devil, commemorating Abraham’s rejection of Satan’s temptation. This year’s hajj featured increased security and heat mitigation measures after last year’s tragedy, aiming to prevent fatalities among pilgrims, especially those who illegally entered Mecca, amidst ongoing challenges related to hajj permits and costs.