More than 1 million Muslim pilgrims gathered in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday to perform the symbolic stone-throwing ritual [1].
This event marks a critical stage of the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the most significant religious observances in Islam. The ritual represents the symbolic stoning of the devil, serving as a required act of faith for those completing the pilgrimage.
The gathering occurred on May 27, 2026 [3], marking the third day of the Hajj rites. While Al Jazeera said more than 1 million participants [1], other estimates suggest the number of pilgrims performing the ritual exceeded 1.5 million [2].
The ritual takes place in Mina, located near the holy city of Mecca. It is part of a series of intensive spiritual activities that began on Monday, May 25, 2026 [4].
Pilgrims throw pebbles at three pillars to signify the rejection of temptation and the devil. This act is a central component of the pilgrimage's final stages, requiring precise coordination to manage the massive crowds moving through the valley of Mina.
Saudi authorities manage the flow of the millions of people involved in the process to ensure safety during these high-density movements. The event concludes the primary ritual sequence of the pilgrimage before the celebration of Eid al-Adha.
“More than 1 million Muslim pilgrims gathered in Mina, Saudi Arabia”
The successful execution of the stoning ritual is a logistical milestone for the Saudi government, as moving millions of people through the narrow confines of Mina remains one of the most complex crowd-management challenges in the world. The scale of the 2026 pilgrimage underscores the enduring global significance of Hajj despite regional geopolitical tensions.
