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.
