Haj pilgrims stone the devil in final ritual

Muslim faithful engaged in the climactic ritual of the annual Haj pilgrimage on Wednesday, symbolically stoning the devil near Makkah. Crowds gathered in the valley of Mina to cast pebbles at concrete pillars, reenacting a significant act of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

This year's Haj, attended by over 1.7 million people, is taking place under the shadow of ongoing geopolitical tensions. A fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran has brought a lull in fighting, but diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting peace remain inconclusive.

The pilgrimage rituals are being conducted during a period of intense heat, with temperatures reaching 45°C on Mount Arafat, where pilgrims prayed and reflected on Prophet Mohammed's (PBUH) last sermon. After spending the night in Muzdalifah, collecting pebbles, they proceeded to the final stoning ceremony before returning to Makkah for the circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba.

The final day of the Haj coincides with the important Islamic festival of Eidul Azha, marking a significant religious and cultural observance for millions.