Pilgrims Embark on Symbolic Stoning of Devil as Hajj Rituals Near End

The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, concluded with the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday. This event marks the commencement of the Eid al-Adha celebrations for Muslims worldwide.

Regrettably, the pilgrimage was marred by the deaths of fourteen Jordanian pilgrims due to sunstroke. The Jordanian Foreign Ministry has been working with Saudi authorities to manage the aftermath of this tragic occurrence.

Extreme Conditions Faced by Pilgrims

The soaring summer heat added to the challenges faced by the pilgrims, with temperatures reaching 47°C (116.6°F) in Mecca and 46°C (114.8°F) in Mina. Many pilgrims, especially the elderly, required medical assistance due to the intense heat.

Following the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage, pilgrims will carry out the Farewell Tawaf, marking the end of their time in Mecca. Men are expected to shave their heads and discard the white pilgrimage garments, while women are to cut a lock of hair as a sign of renewal and rebirth.

Against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip faced challenges in traveling to Mecca for Hajj and will be unable to celebrate Eid al-Adha as in previous years.