Around 2.6 millions of Muslim pilgrims have begun carrying out the duty of stoning the devil amid tight security near the holy city of Mecca as part of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Large numbers of security forces have been deployed across the desert valley of Mina, around 7 kilometers north-east of Mecca, to prevent any stampede during the three-day stoning rite.
The pebble-throwing ritual was running smoothly at designated walls inside a multilevel structure known as the Jamarat Bridge in Mina, the official Saudi news agency SPA reported.
Muslims around the world Friday celebrate Al-Adha Eid, an important festival on the Islamic calendar which marks the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
During the festivities, which fell on Friday this year, Muslims pay tribute to Prophet Ibrahim’s submission to the divine order of sacrificing his son.
Trying to perform the act of ultimate abnegation, Ibrahim, however, was sent a sheep through Archangel Gabriel to sacrifice instead.
Ibrahim’s obedience thus helped him pass the supreme test of subservience to God, and has been serving as an ageless model for the Muslim faithful.
Worshippers performed Eid prayer at Al-Aqsa mosque, amid strict Zionist measures.
Source: Al-Manar Website and other websites
