Contact Us

The "stoning of the devil" ritual: Vast crowds of Muslim pilgrims hurl pebbles

Amid scorching temperatures, a massive gathering of pilgrims dressed in robes participated in the "stoning of the devil" ritual on Wednesday, marking the culmination of the largest hajj pilgrimage since the beginning of the pandemic.

  • 11
  • 16
The stoning of the devil ritual: Vast crowds of Muslim pilgrims hurl pebbles

The scorching conditions have been perhaps the biggest challenge for this year's worshippers, including many elderly after a maximum age limit was scrapped.

  • 12
  • 16
The stoning of the devil ritual: Vast crowds of Muslim pilgrims hurl pebbles

In recent years the hajj, which follows the lunar calendar, has fallen in the Saudi summer, at a time when global warming is making the desert climate even hotter.

  • 13
  • 16
The stoning of the devil ritual: Vast crowds of Muslim pilgrims hurl pebbles

Experts have warned that temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius could become an annual occurrence in Saudi Arabia by the end of the century.

As protection from the heat, many pilgrims have been walking with umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun, while others carry their folded prayer blankets above their heads.

  • 14
  • 16
The stoning of the devil ritual: Vast crowds of Muslim pilgrims hurl pebbles

One security guard was seen fanning a seated pilgrim, apparently overcome by the heat at Mina. According to official figures, at least 287 people have been treated for heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

  • 15
  • 16
The stoning of the devil ritual: Vast crowds of Muslim pilgrims hurl pebbles

On his way out of Arafat on Tuesday, Sobhi Saeed, a 56-year-old Egyptian, said he was fulfilled but drained as the hajj winds down.

"I am very exhausted. I feel very dehydrated."

  • 16
  • 16
The stoning of the devil ritual: Vast crowds of Muslim pilgrims hurl pebbles

The rituals started on Sunday at Mecca's Grand Mosque, Islam's holiest site, before an overnight stay in tents and then the prayers on Mount Arafat, where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his final sermon.