Approximately 1.7 million pilgrims began the ritual stoning of Jamrat al-Aqabah on Friday, marking one of the central rites of the Hajj pilgrimage and coinciding with the first day of Eid al-Adha.

The pilgrims arrived in Mina at dawn, chanting prayers and praises, after standing on the plains of Mount Arafat on Thursday for the most important rite of Hajj. They spent the night in Muzdalifah, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), before proceeding to Mina.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), pilgrims began throwing pebbles at the Jamrat al-Aqabah pillar in accordance with Islamic tradition. The ritual symbolizes the rejection of evil, commemorating the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s defiance of Satan.

Following the stoning, pilgrims proceed to sacrifice their animals (Hady), shave or trim their hair, perform Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba, and complete the Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.

Pilgrims will remain in Mina during the Days of Tashreeq, continuing to perform religious rites and offering prayers of gratitude and remembrance as they complete their Hajj.