Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Adha As Hajj Pilgrimage Nears Completion/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Millions of Muslim pilgrims in Saudi Arabia performed one of the final Hajj rituals Wednesday amid intense heat and large crowds. Pilgrims threw pebbles at pillars in Mina in a symbolic rejection of evil as Eid al-Adha celebrations began worldwide. Saudi authorities continued managing massive crowds as temperatures and physically demanding conditions tested worshippers.
Hajj 2026 Quick Looks
- Pilgrims performed symbolic stoning ritual in Mina.
- Ritual marks rejection of evil and temptation.
- Eid al-Adha celebrations began globally Wednesday.
- Temperatures remained extremely high during Hajj.
- Pilgrims used umbrellas and water to stay cool.
- Medical teams treated heat-exhausted worshippers.
- More than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims attended.
- Ritual commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to God.
- Hajj remains one of Islam’s Five Pillars.
- Regional tensions continued amid fragile Iran ceasefire.
Deep Look
Pilgrims Perform Symbolic Stoning Ritual in Mina
Masses of Muslim pilgrims gathered Wednesday in Mina to perform one of the final rituals of the annual Hajj pilgrimage while Muslims worldwide began celebrating Eid al-Adha.
Pilgrims moved through the massive Jamarat complex chanting “Allahu akbar,” or “God is great,” as they threw pebbles at towering pillars in a ritual symbolizing the rejection of evil.
The act commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim — known as Abraham in Christianity and Judaism — rejecting the devil’s attempts to dissuade him from obeying God’s command.
Ritual Represents Spiritual Struggle
For many worshippers, the ritual also represents a deeply personal spiritual act.
Pakistani pilgrim Aamar Shakur described the moment as symbolic of overcoming inner struggles.
“I was throwing the stone to my own devil,” Shakur said.
Pilgrims collected pebbles overnight in Muzdalifah before returning to Mina following a day of prayer and worship at Arafat on Tuesday.
Eid al-Adha Celebrations Begin Worldwide
The final days of Hajj coincide with Eid al-Adha, often called the “Feast of Sacrifice.”
The holiday commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before divine intervention stopped him.
During Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world traditionally:
- Slaughter sheep or cattle
- Share meat with poor families
- Gather for communal prayers
- Spend time with relatives and communities
The holiday is considered one of the most important celebrations in the Islamic calendar.
Extreme Heat Challenges Pilgrims
This year’s Hajj has unfolded under severe heat conditions across Saudi Arabia.
The physically demanding pilgrimage has forced many worshippers to take extra precautions while traveling between holy sites.
Pilgrims were seen:
- Pouring water over themselves
- Carrying umbrellas
- Seeking shaded areas
- Assisting elderly relatives in wheelchairs
Medical teams stationed throughout Mina treated several people suffering from heat exhaustion and fatigue.
The combination of massive crowds and high temperatures has remained a major challenge for Saudi authorities overseeing the pilgrimage.
More Than 1.5 Million Foreign Pilgrims Attended
Saudi officials said more than 1.5 million pilgrims arrived from abroad for this year’s Hajj.
The annual pilgrimage is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings and remains a central obligation in Islam.
The pilgrimage spans several days and includes a series of rituals performed at sacred sites surrounding Mecca.
For many pilgrims, the journey represents a profound spiritual experience focused on repentance, devotion and renewal.
Regional Tensions Continue in Background
This year’s pilgrimage has also unfolded against the backdrop of continuing regional instability tied to the Iran conflict and fragile ceasefire negotiations.
Despite geopolitical tensions across the Middle East, Saudi Arabia continued extensive security and logistical operations to safely manage the massive influx of pilgrims.
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