Haj pilgrims stone the devil in final ritual
Muslim pilgrims participated in the final ritual of the haj pilgrimage on May 27, 2026, by stoning the devil near Mecca. This ritual symbolizes the Prophet Abraham's rejection of temptation and is a key component of the pilgrimage. The event is taking place amid ongoing regional tensions, particularly related to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
- ▪More than 1.7 million people are taking part in the haj in 2026.
- ▪Pilgrims gathered in Mina to throw pebbles at concrete pillars symbolizing the devil.
- ▪The haj coincides with Eid al-Adha, which celebrates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son.
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Haj pilgrims stone the devil in final ritualSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxMore than 1.7 million people are taking part in the haj in 2026.PHOTO: AFPPublished May 27, 2026, 04:00 PMUpdated May 27, 2026, 04:01 PMListenMINA, Saudi Arabia – Muslim faithful took part in the climactic ritual of the annual haj pilgrimage on May 27, symbolically stoning the devil near Mecca.From dawn, crowds of pilgrims gathered in the valley of Mina, south-east of the holy city of Mecca, to throw pebbles at concrete pillars symbolising the devil.It reenacts the Prophet Abraham’s stoning of the devil at three places where Satan is said to have tried to dissuade him from obeying God’s command to sacrifice his son, Ishmael.More than 1.7 million people are taking part in the haj in 2026.
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