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Pilgrims 'stone the devil' as Muslims begin Eid al-Adha celebrations
Associated Press
June 17
Masses of pilgrims have embarked on a symbolic stoning of the devil in Saudi Arabia under the soaring summer heat.
The ritual marks the final days of the Hajj, or Islamic pilgrimage, and the start of the Eid al-Adha celebrations for Muslims around the world.
Attribution: AP
The stoning is among the final rites of the Hajj, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Attribution: AP
It came a day after more than 1.8 million pilgrims congregated at a sacred hill, known as Mount Arafat, outside the holy city of Mecca, which Muslim pilgrims visit to perform the annual five-day rituals of Hajj.
Attribution: AP
Masses of Muslims gathered at the sacred hill of Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia for worship and reflection on the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Attribution: AP
The pilgrims made the journey in blinding heat. Fourteen Jordanian pilgrims had died from sunstroke during the Hajj, according to Jordan's state-run Petra news agency.
Mohammed Al-Abdulaali, spokesman for the Saudi Health Ministry, told reporters that more than 2,760 pilgrims suffered from sunstroke and heat stress on Sunday alone. He said the number was likely to increase and urged attendees to avoid the sun at peak times and drink water. "Heat stress is the greatest challenge," he said.
Attribution: AP
Crowds were seen heading on foot to the stoning areas. Some were pushing disabled pilgrims on wheelchairs on a multi-lane road leading to the complex housing the large pillars. Most pilgrims were sweltering and carrying umbrellas to protect them against the burning summer sun.
Muslim pilgrims walk a street littered with thrashed water bottles in Arafat, on the second day of the annual hajj pilgrimage.
Attribution: AP
Many pilgrims will spend up to three days in Mina, each casting seven pebbles at three pillars in a ritual to symbolize the casting away of evil and sin.
Attribution: AP
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