Muslim pilgrims performed the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, May 28, 2026 [4].
This ritual marks the conclusion of the Hajj, one of the most significant religious observances in Islam. The act of throwing pebbles at the Jamarat pillars symbolizes the rejection of temptation and the devil.
An estimated two million Muslims [2] gathered in Mina for the final major rite. Other reports indicate that more than 1.5 million Muslims [1] traveled to Saudi Arabia for the overall Hajj pilgrimage this year. The pilgrims faced challenging conditions as temperatures exceeded 107 °F during the stoning ritual [3].
The process involves the faithful casting pebbles at three distinct pillars. This required ritual is a cornerstone of the pilgrimage, serving as a physical manifestation of faith, and spiritual cleansing.
Saudi authorities managed the massive crowds in the valley of Mina, located near Mecca. The event concluded the series of rites that define the annual pilgrimage, allowing the faithful to complete their spiritual journey.
“The act of throwing pebbles at the Jamarat pillars symbolizes the rejection of temptation and the devil.”
The successful completion of the Hajj rituals in extreme heat underscores the logistical challenge Saudi Arabia faces in managing millions of visitors. The variation in attendance figures—ranging from 1.5 million to two million—reflects the difficulty of tracking real-time movement in the crowded valley of Mina during the final rites.
