Pilgrims Stone the Devil as Eidul Azha Celebrations Begin
Pilgrims in western Saudi Arabia performed the last major ritual of the haj, the stoning of the devil, on Sunday as Muslims worldwide began celebrating Eidul Azha. In Pakistan, the holiday will officially be observed tomorrow.
Pilgrims Perform Stoning Ritual
Starting at dawn, 1.8 million Muslims threw seven stones at each of three concrete walls symbolizing the devil in Mina, near Makkah. This act commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s stoning of the devil, who tried to dissuade him from sacrificing his son. Despite past tragedies, including a 2015 stampede that killed up to 2,300 worshippers, the site has been revamped for better crowd management.
Struggles Under the Sun
Pilgrims faced intense heat, with temperatures reaching 46 degrees Celsius (114.8 degrees Fahrenheit) in Arafat on Saturday. Many rested and drank water along the roads to the stoning site, showing signs of exhaustion. Health centers reported numerous cases of heat stress and fatigue, reflecting the physical challenges of the pilgrimage.
The Spiritual Journey
Despite the grueling conditions, pilgrims expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform the haj. “I am so happy that I can’t describe my feelings,” said Amal Mahrouss, a 55-year-old Egyptian woman. The haj, one of Islam’s five pillars, must be performed at least once by all Muslims who can afford it. This year, 1.6 million pilgrims came from abroad.
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Eidul Azha Celebrations
Eidul Azha, which honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, is being celebrated across the globe. Worshippers gathered in mosques from Jerusalem to Kazakhstan, offering prayers and participating in the feast of sacrifice. The celebrations coincide with ongoing conflicts, particularly Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.
Solidarity with Gaza
In Gaza, Palestinians observed Eid amid the rubble of destroyed buildings. Demonstrations and prayers in support of Palestine were held in Jordan, Lebanon, and other countries. Despite warnings from Saudi authorities against political slogans, many pilgrims voiced solidarity with Palestinians. “Pray for our brothers in Palestine,” one pilgrim shouted on Mount Arafat.
King Salman invited 2,000 Palestinians to perform the haj at his expense, half of whom are family members of victims in Gaza. This gesture highlights the intersection of religious observance and geopolitical issues, underscoring the broader context in which this year’s haj and Eidul Azha celebrations are taking place.