Muslim pilgrims performed the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on May 27, 2026 [2].
This ritual, known as Ramy al-Jamarat, represents one of the most critical stages of the Hajj pilgrimage. It serves as a spiritual reenactment of the Prophet Ibrahim’s rejection of Satan’s temptation, marking a required act of worship for those participating in the pilgrimage.
The event took place in Mina, located near the holy city of Mecca. Approximately 1.8 million pilgrims were present in Mina during the 2026 Hajj [1]. The ritual involves throwing pebbles at three pillars, symbolizing the casting away of temptation, and the commitment to follow divine guidance.
Reports on the timing of the ritual relative to the broader holiday calendar vary. Some sources said the stoning occurs as the Islamic holiday Eid al-Adha begins [3], while others said it is the final ritual taking place on May 27, three days before the holiday [2]. Despite these differing accounts of the calendar, the ritual remains a central component of the pilgrimage's conclusion.
The gathering in Mina is one of the largest annual human congregations in the world. Coordinating the movement of nearly two million people requires extensive infrastructure and security to ensure the safety of the participants during the stoning process.
As the pilgrims complete this symbolic act, they move toward the final stages of their journey. The ritual transitions the pilgrims from the intense spiritual reflection of the Hajj toward the celebratory period of Eid al-Adha.
“The ritual involves throwing pebbles at three pillars, symbolizing the casting away of temptation.”
The successful execution of the Ramy al-Jamarat ritual is a logistical and spiritual milestone for Saudi Arabia. Managing a crowd of nearly two million people in a concentrated area like Mina demonstrates the ongoing scale of the Hajj and the critical importance of crowd-control infrastructure in preventing accidents during high-density religious events.
