Muslim pilgrims gathered in Mina, Saudi Arabia, to perform the symbolic "stoning of the devil" ritual during the 2024 Hajj [1, 2].
This ritual serves as a critical spiritual milestone for millions of believers. By throwing pebbles at the Jamarat pillars, pilgrims symbolically reject evil and complete one of the final required rites of the pilgrimage [3, 4].
The event took place in Mina, located near the holy city of Mecca [2, 3]. The ritual marks the transition from the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage to the beginning of the Eid al-Adha holiday [3, 4].
Reports indicate that approximately 2 million pilgrims gathered for the final stoning ritual [5]. The activity occurred on 18 June 2024 [6]. While some reports described the event as the second day of the ritual, other sources said it was the third day [6, 7].
The Jamarat pillars are designed to handle the massive influx of people during this period. The act of stoning is a traditional practice meant to emulate the actions of the prophet Abraham, a central figure in the faith.
Following the completion of this rite, pilgrims typically move toward the final circling of the Kaaba to conclude their journey [6]. The coordinated movement of millions of people in a small geographic area requires significant logistical management by Saudi authorities to ensure safety and order during the peak of the religious calendar.
“Pilgrims symbolically reject evil by throwing pebbles at the Jamarat pillars.”
The stoning of the devil is one of the most logistically challenging phases of the Hajj due to the extreme density of crowds in Mina. The successful completion of this rite for millions of pilgrims signifies the transition from a period of intense spiritual reflection and physical trial to the celebratory period of Eid al-Adha, highlighting the intersection of ancient religious tradition and modern crowd-management infrastructure.
