Over 1.6 Million Pilgrims Complete Final Hajj Ritual in Saudi Arabia

More than 1.6 million Muslim pilgrims gathered in Mina valley near Mecca to perform the final major ritual of the Hajj—the symbolic "stoning of the devil"—marking the beginning of the Eid al-Adha holiday. This ritual involves throwing seven stones at each of three pillars representing the devil, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's rejection of Satan's temptations to disobey God's command. This year's Hajj experienced the lowest number of pilgrims in 30 years due to strict crowd control and heat mitigation efforts implemented after last year's deadly heat-related incidents, which claimed over 1,300 lives, mostly among unregistered pilgrims. Authorities have cracked down on illegal pilgrims to ensure safety amid intense summer heat, aiming to prevent a repeat of past tragedies, including the 2015 stampede at the stoning site. The ritual also symbolizes spiritual renewal and the rejection of negative traits, emphasizing personal transformation alongside fulfilling religious obligations. The Hajj remains a significant pillar of Islam and a source of prestige and economic benefit for Saudi Arabia, under the stewardship of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.