Mina, Saudi Arabia – In a profound display of faith, pilgrims flocked to Mina on the morning of Eid al-Adha. They performed the ritual of stoning the Jamarat al-Aqaba, the first rite of the Eid al-Adha pilgrimage, amidst a spiritual atmosphere of reverence and tranquility.
This ritual followed the pilgrims’ standing on the plains of Arafat and their overnight stay in Muzdalifah. They then proceeded to stone the Jamarat with seven pebbles, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This symbolizes the rejection of Satan and the repudiation of his temptations.
The Jamarat area witnessed meticulous organization and a smooth flow of crowds, thanks to the intensive efforts of the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. All available human and technological resources were mobilized to ensure the safety of pilgrims and facilitate the performance of the rituals without overcrowding or disruption.
After completing the stoning of Jamarat al-Aqaba, pilgrims proceeded to sacrifice their sacrificial animals and then shave or trim their hair. This marked the first stage of exiting the state of Ihram, in preparation for the remaining rituals of the days of Tashreeq.
This ritual is part of a series of rites performed by pilgrims during the Hajj season. It takes place in an atmosphere that combines devotion with meticulous organization, reflecting the civilized approach to crowd management at the world’s largest annual religious gathering.
