Pilgrims performed the stoning of the Great Jamarat al-Aqaba in Mina on June 6, 2025, as part of the Hajj rituals [1], [2].
This phase of the pilgrimage marks the Day of Sacrifice, a critical transition where worshippers move from the plains of Arafat toward the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The successful management of these crowds is vital for the safety of millions of people moving through narrow corridors in a short window of time.
According to reports, approximately one million pebbles were thrown at the Great Jamarat al-Aqaba throughout the day [3]. This ritual is conducted following the sacrificial offering of animals, adhering to the traditions of the days of Tashreeq [1], [2].
Data regarding the scale of the gathering shows a massive international presence. There were 1,506,576 pilgrims arriving from outside Saudi Arabia [3]. Additionally, 166,654 pilgrims participated from within the kingdom [3].
As the stoning ritual concluded, waves of pilgrims began moving toward the Masjid al-Haram to perform the Tawaf al-Ifadah [1], [4]. This circumambulation of the Kaaba is a required pillar of the pilgrimage.
To maintain order during the high-traffic period, Saudi authorities issued guidance to worshippers. "We call upon those in a hurry to remain in the camps to avoid crowding," Saudi authorities said [1].
Observers noted the steady flow of people as they transitioned between the holy sites of Mina and Mecca. The process is designed to stagger the arrival of millions to prevent bottlenecks at the Grand Mosque [2], [4].
“Approximately one million pebbles were thrown at the Great Jamarat al-Aqaba throughout the day.”
The scale of the 2025 Hajj highlights the ongoing logistical challenge of managing over 1.6 million people in a concentrated geographic area. By advising pilgrims to remain in camps to avoid congestion, Saudi authorities are utilizing a staggered timing strategy to mitigate the risk of stampedes and heat-related casualties, which have historically plagued the Jamarat bridge and the transition to the Grand Mosque.
