Muslim haj pilgrims performed the 'Stoning the Devil' ritual in Mecca on Saturday (October 4), the first day of Eid al-Adha.
An estimated two million pilgrims arrived to cast stones at pillars symbolizing Satan.
Saudi pilgrim Salem al-Maliki said he was happy to have completed one of the five pillars of Islam by taking part in the haj.
“They are indescribable feelings, truly. Thankfully God blessed us and I finished one of the pillars of Islam, especially when it is on Friday and a day of Arafat; gratitude to God for everything,” he said.
The haj has attracted some three million people this year, including 1.4 million from outside the kingdom. To the casual observer there appears to be fewer Iraqi and Syrian pilgrims than last year, and many more visitors from Asia.
“We are so tired. At the same time, we are so happy because Allah chose us to perform haj in this year,'' said Abdul Haseeb, a pilgrim who had made the journey from the Philippines to perform the haj.
The haj, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, culminates in the three-day Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha.
Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha by slaughtering sheep, goats, camels and cows to commemorate Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, on God's command. REUTERS