MINA — As the annual pilgrimage of Hajj reached its final phase on the fourth day of Hajj and the first day of Tashreeq on Saturday, pilgrims in Mina began the ritual of throwing pebbles at the three Jamarat, symbolizing Satan. Pilgrims proceeded from their camps in Mina to the Jamarat Complex on their scheduled time this afternoon. Wearing their normal dress after exiting from ihram (tahallul) on Friday, they moved in batches in an orderly and smooth manner. On their arrival at the Jamarat, pilgrims, chanting "Allahu Akbar" (God is the greatest), stoned first at Jamarat Al-Sugra (small pillar), then at Jamarat Al-Wusta (medium pillar) and lastly at Jamarat Al-Aqba (largest pillar) seven times each. The pilgrims moved easily from one pillar to the next as they hurled pebbles at the pillars. They prayed after stoning the first two pillars and quit quickly after stoning at the third Jamarat, following the tradition of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The ritual began on Friday by stoning only at Jamarat Al-Aqba. A huge contingent of security forces and health workers were deployed at the Jamarat Complex to ensure the safety and health of the pilgrims as well as their smooth conduct of the stoning ritual. The stoning ritual was carried out according to a well-implemented plan developed through collaboration and coordination among relevant authorities, supported by prompt field oversight. This approach significantly enhanced the safety and security of the pilgrims, allowing them to perform their Hajj rituals with ease and tranquility. Stoning at Jamarat is the most repeated rituals of the Hajj. Pilgrims perform the ritual at one Jamarat (Jamarat Al-Aqba) on the first day of stoning on the Day of Sacrifice, Dhul Hijjah 10. In the next two or three days, they hurl seven stones each at the three pillars. The five-level Jamarat Complex structure around the three stoning sites allows for a smooth flow of pilgrims who are only permitted to move in one direction throughout the area to prevent congestion. After performing four main rituals of stoning, sacrificing animals, shaving or cutting hair and performing Tawaf Al-Ifadah and sai' on Friday, pilgrims returned to their accommodation in Mina. After Saturday's ritual of stoning, they will spend the rest of the time in prayers and supplications. Col. Talal bin Abdul Mohsen bin Shalhoub, security spokesman of the Ministry of Interior, urged pilgrims who intend to leave Mina early on the second day of Tashreeq on Sunday to remain in their camps until the departure time specified by their service providers. The spokesman emphasized the continuation of security and organizational efforts, in accordance with approved plans, to ensure the safety of the pilgrims until they complete their rituals and return home safely. Eng. Khaled Al-Tali'e, spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, reassured everyone about the health of the pilgrims, confirming that no outbreaks of epidemics or diseases affecting public health were reported among the pilgrims. The spokesman attributed this to the integrated efforts of various government agencies, working in harmony and cohesion, to serve the guests of God. This reflects their unwavering commitment to placing their health and safety at the forefront of their priorities, in line with the aspirations of the country's leadership.
