More Than 1.5 Million Hajj Pilgrims Perform Stoning Ritual in Mina as Eid Begins
Updated
Updated · KSL.com · May 27
More Than 1.5 Million Hajj Pilgrims Perform Stoning Ritual in Mina as Eid Begins
7 articles · Updated · KSL.com · May 27
More than 1.5 million pilgrims joined the symbolic stoning ritual in Mina on Wednesday, throwing pebbles at pillars in one of the final Hajj rites as Eid al-Adha began.
The crowds moved from Muzdalifah after collecting pebbles overnight, following Tuesday's prayers at Arafat; the ritual commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's rejection of the devil and is seen by many pilgrims as rejecting personal evil.
Intense heat strained the physically demanding pilgrimage, with medical teams treating some worshippers while others used umbrellas, poured water over themselves and pushed elderly relatives in wheelchairs through the Jamarat complex.
The holiday unfolded against wider regional turmoil: Eid celebrations were subdued in Gaza and Lebanon, where displacement, destruction and ongoing ceasefire violations overshadowed the normally festive occasion.
Beyond fragile ceasefires, what does a realistic path to psychological recovery look like for Gaza's traumatized population?
With international courts targeting state and militant leaders, will legal action bring justice or just escalate the conflict?
As US-Iran tensions choke global oil supply, is the world economy on the brink of another energy crisis?
Hajj 2026 Report: Pilgrim Numbers, Rituals, Safety Measures, and the Impact of Global Events
Overview
The 2026 Hajj pilgrimage brought together over 1.7 million Muslims in Mina, Saudi Arabia, where they began the symbolic stoning ritual on May 27. This ritual, deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s defiance against the devil and serves as a powerful act of rejecting evil and reaffirming faith. As one of the final major rites of Hajj, it follows days of intense worship and often coincides with Eid al-Adha, highlighting its spiritual significance. Pilgrims’ participation reflects a collective commitment to God and symbolizes purification from sin, reinforcing unity and devotion among the global Muslim community.