Highlight

Millions of pilgrims mark Eid al-Adha with a symbolic stoning of devil in Saudi Arabia

The stoning ceremony has a history of tragic stampedes, including the devastating 2015 incident that claimed the lives of up to 2,300 pilgrims, making it the deadliest Hajj disaster on record.

438

Muslims worldwide observed Eid al-Adha, commemorating the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, as pilgrims in western Saudi Arabia performed the final major rite of the hajj, known as the’stoning of the devil.’

At dawn, the approximately 1.8 million Muslims performing the hajj pilgrimage this year began ritually stoning three concrete structures representing the devil in the Mina valley, situated outside Mecca, Islam’s most sacred city, casting seven stones at each wall in a symbolic gesture.

The ancient ritual reenacts the legendary moment when Abraham, the patriarch, hurled stones at the devil at three distinct locations, marking the spots where Satan attempted to tempt him from fulfilling God’s command to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (Ishmael).

The stoning ceremony has a history of tragic stampedes, including the devastating 2015 incident that claimed the lives of up to 2,300 pilgrims, making it the deadliest Hajj disaster on record.

As a result, the site has undergone significant renovations to improve crowd management and ensure the safety of the millions of worshippers who gather there.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

VP Shettima Unveils Community-Driven Strategy to Tackle Nigeria’s Nutrition Challenges

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to addressing its growing...

Super Falcons to Face France in November Friendly

The Nigerian women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will face France in...

Just in: NAPPS offers released #Endbadgovernance minors scholarships

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has announced its...

Just in: Tinubu Decorates Acting Chief of Army Staff Oluyede as Lieutenant General

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday decorated the acting Chief of Army Staff,...

Just in: For umpteenth time, national power grid collapses

Nigeria’s national power grid experienced another collapse on Tuesday, losing power generation...

CONUA to FG: Settle out withheld salaries, allowances, third-party deductions

The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has called on the federal government...

Tinubu’s N200bln intervention fund seeks to eradicate poverty in Nigeria – Gov. Sani

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has said that President Bola Tinubu...

Guardiola admits Manchester City’s struggle amid injury crisis

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that the club will struggle...

Pres.Tinubu Unveils Ambitious Plan to Revamp Nigeria’s Dilapidated Stadiums

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has outlined...

Just in: 63-year-old Ekiti Chief Judge, Adeyeye, dies

Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, has passed away....

Equatorial Guinea govt introduces CCTV in offices amid sextape scandal

Following sextape scandals, Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President, Teddy Nguema, has announced plans...

Election Day Showdown: Harris and Trump Hold Duelling Rallies as Polls Reach Dead Heat

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump held rival rallies on Monday, the final...

$26bln African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project Gains Momentum

The federal government, in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African...

N1.3trn fraud: EFCC arrests, grills ex-Delta Gov. Okowa

A former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has been apprehended by the...

Equatorial Guinea government official embroiled in sextape scandal

Mr. Baltasar Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF)...

CAF ruling against Libya: Nigerian govt. promises to protect its citizens in Libya

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to...

Polaris Bank wins “Best Mobile App” award at Digital Jurist Awards 2024

For its commitment to digital innovation and excellence, Polaris Bank has again...

Updated: After six years of injustice, Nigeria’s ex-Chief Justice, Onnoghen, finally gets justice

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Monday, overturned the conviction of...

Flood sacks 4 Anambra council areas as Soludo activates 27 IDP camps

By Emmanuel Ndukuba, Awka Floods have devastated four local government areas in...

Four-month salary: NASU, SSANU secure irrevocable commitment from FG, suspend strike

After a six-day strike, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff...