Each year, Muslim pilgrims complete the sacred Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, amidst the blazing summer heat. This pillar of Islam is a spiritual journey, retracing Prophet Ibrahim’s path, and is mandatory for all able Muslims. The Hajj’s conclusion includes the symbolic stoning of the devil and circling the Kaaba, culminating in a profound spiritual experience for millions of faithful pilgrims worldwide.
The final days of the Hajj coincide with Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, which commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God. This year, the Hajj took place against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, with Saudi authorities imposing strict health and safety measures to protect pilgrims from the virus.
The Hajj Rituals by Muslim Pilgrims
The Hajj rituals began on the 8th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, with pilgrims converging on the plains of Arafat, about 20 kilometers east of Mecca. The day spent at Arafat is considered the most important day of the Hajj, as it is believed to be the site where Adam and Eve were reunited after being expelled from the Garden of Eden.
Symbolic Stoning of the Devil
After sunset, the pilgrims made their way to Muzdalifah, where they spent the night under the open sky, collecting pebbles to be used in the symbolic stoning of the devil. The following day, they returned to Mina to perform the stoning ritual, casting seven pebbles at three pillars representing Satan.
Tawaf Around the Kaaba
The stoning ritual is a symbolic act of defiance against evil and temptation, echoing Ibrahim’s rejection of Satan’s attempts to dissuade him from obeying God’s command. It is also a reminder of the need to cast away the inner demons of pride, greed, and hatred.
Conclusion of the Hajj
Following the stoning ritual, the pilgrims performed the Tawaf, or circumambulation, around the Kaaba, the black cubic structure at the center of the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The Kaaba is considered the house of God and the holiest site in Islam, which Muslims around the world face in prayer.
Celebrating Eid al-Adha
The completion of the Tawaf marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage, and the pilgrims celebrate Eid al-Adha by sacrificing an animal, usually a sheep, goat, or cow, in commemoration of Ibrahim’s sacrifice. The meat is then distributed among family, friends, and the needy, symbolizing the spirit of sharing and generosity that is central to the Islamic faith.
This year, the Hajj was limited to a smaller number of pilgrims due to the ongoing pandemic, with only vaccinated individuals allowed to participate. Despite these challenges, the spirit of the Hajj remained strong, with Muslim pilgrims expressing gratitude for the opportunity to fulfill this sacred duty.
Hajj Pilgrimage Ends in Saudi Arabia as Makkah hits 51.8°C
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