Pilgrims gathered in Mina on Saturday to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual on the first day of Tashreeq, a significant stage of the Hajj pilgrimage.

The stoning, which took place at the Jamarat Bridge, involved pilgrims casting pebbles at three stone pillars, symbolizing the rejection of evil.

The ritual follows the initial stoning that took place on Friday, coinciding with the first day of Eid al-Adha. After that, many pilgrims completed the Tawaf al-Ifada — the ritual circumambulation of the holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah — and exited the state of Ihram, the sacred state required for pilgrimage.

The stoning ceremony came after the pilgrims' journey to Mount Arafat on Thursday, the spiritual climax of Hajj, where they spent the day in prayer and reflection. The ascent of Arafat is considered the most essential rite of the Hajj pilgrimage.

The Saudi Interior Ministry, overseeing security and logistical arrangements, urged pilgrims to strictly adhere to the designated pathways connecting the various ritual sites. Officials also emphasized the importance of following the scheduled times assigned for each ritual to ensure smooth movement and avoid overcrowding.

An Interior Ministry spokesman reiterated on Friday that security forces are continuing their efforts to protect pilgrims, facilitating their movements and ensuring their safety throughout the sacred journey.

“For those intending to depart on the second day of Tashreeq, we urge them to remain in their tents until their scheduled departure time,” the spokesman added.

Saudi authorities have deployed thousands of security and emergency personnel across key pilgrimage sites, as part of a coordinated effort to manage the massive influx of worshippers and maintain public safety during the world’s largest annual religious gathering.

As the pilgrimage continues, officials remain focused on providing pilgrims with a safe, organized, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience. (ILKHA)