Ramy al-Jamarat: Pilgrims Perform “Stoning of the Devil” Ritual as Hajj 2025 Nears Completion
On Friday, more than 1.6 million Muslim pilgrims took part in the final major ritual of the Hajj pilgrimage—the symbolic “stoning of the devil” called Ramy al-Jamarat, which translates to “throwing the pebbles”—in the Mina valley near Mecca, marking a significant moment as Muslims worldwide celebrated the start of Eid al-Adha.
Beginning at dawn, pilgrims threw seven stones at each of three concrete walls representing the devil, commemorating the Prophet Abraham’s rejection of Satan’s temptations when ordered by God to sacrifice his son.
The ritual of stoning the devil symbolizes the rejection of evil and is a pivotal part of the Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars. Pilgrims’ participation in this act reflects their devotion and spiritual cleansing during this sacred journey.
A day earlier, pilgrims gathered at Mount Arafat near Makkah, offering prayers and reciting Quranic verses at the 70-metre (230-foot) rocky hill where the Holy Prophet Mohammad delivered his final sermon.
Despite the intense heat, many ascended the mount, although the crowd thinned by midday as authorities advised pilgrims to remain indoors between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
This year’s Hajj was notably marked by extensive heat mitigation measures and a strict crackdown on unauthorized pilgrims, resulting in thinner crowds and heightened security across Mecca and its environs.
These precautions were implemented to prevent a recurrence of last year’s tragic incident, where 1,301 pilgrims died amid extreme temperatures reaching 51.8 degrees Celsius. Saudi authorities attributed most fatalities to illegal pilgrims lacking access to essential accommodations and safety services.
Hajj permits are allocated through a quota system and distributed by lottery; however, many still attempt the pilgrimage without permits, despite the risks of arrest and deportation. This season recorded the lowest number of pilgrims in over three decades, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic years.
