Crowds gather at height of hajj
Source: Agencies |
November 7, 2011, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
CHANTING "God is great," millions of Muslims yesterday stoned pillars representing the devil in a symbolic rejection of temptation during their annual hajj pilgrimage, a day that also marks the start of the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha.
Vast crowds flowed past the three pillars, which now resemble curved walls, in a four-level sprawling concrete structure built to expedite the flow of pilgrims, casting pebbles at the largest one. The ritual will be repeated for two more days, with participants eventually casting stones at all three pillars.
The ritual in the desert valley of Mina commemorates Abraham's stoning of the devil, who is said to have appeared three times to the prophet to tempt him.
It is one of the most dangerous stages of the hajj, with the press of people around the pillars creating the risk of a stampede. In 2004, 244 people were killed, and the following year at least 360 killed. Saudi authorities built the current complex to reduce the danger.
Officials estimate that 2.9 million pilgrims have joined the hajj this year.
Male pilgrims in the white robes worn during the hajj, and women covered head to foot except for their hands and faces, chanted "God is great" while casting the pebbles.
"Hurry up, pilgrims," Saudi security officers called out through loudspeakers, to prevent crowds from building up next to the pillars.
Afterward, pilgrims shaved their heads or clipped off a lock of hair, a tradition dating back to the Prophet Muhammad's own pilgrimage. They are also required to slaughter a lamb or goat, representing the lamb that Abraham sacrificed in place of his son.
Yesterday also marked the start of Eid al-Adha in remembrance of Abraham's near-sacrifice of his son.
"Thank God that we are doing hajj this year. May God protect all Arab and Islamic countries," said Dina Mohammed Ramadhan, a 27-year old pilgrim from Egypt, as she and her husband emerged from the crowd pushing two babies in a carriage.
The five-day pilgrimage is packed with symbolism and ritual aimed at cleansing the soul of sin and winning absolution by tracing the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad and of Abraham, whom Muslims view as a forefather of Islam.
Vast crowds flowed past the three pillars, which now resemble curved walls, in a four-level sprawling concrete structure built to expedite the flow of pilgrims, casting pebbles at the largest one. The ritual will be repeated for two more days, with participants eventually casting stones at all three pillars.
The ritual in the desert valley of Mina commemorates Abraham's stoning of the devil, who is said to have appeared three times to the prophet to tempt him.
It is one of the most dangerous stages of the hajj, with the press of people around the pillars creating the risk of a stampede. In 2004, 244 people were killed, and the following year at least 360 killed. Saudi authorities built the current complex to reduce the danger.
Officials estimate that 2.9 million pilgrims have joined the hajj this year.
Male pilgrims in the white robes worn during the hajj, and women covered head to foot except for their hands and faces, chanted "God is great" while casting the pebbles.
"Hurry up, pilgrims," Saudi security officers called out through loudspeakers, to prevent crowds from building up next to the pillars.
Afterward, pilgrims shaved their heads or clipped off a lock of hair, a tradition dating back to the Prophet Muhammad's own pilgrimage. They are also required to slaughter a lamb or goat, representing the lamb that Abraham sacrificed in place of his son.
Yesterday also marked the start of Eid al-Adha in remembrance of Abraham's near-sacrifice of his son.
"Thank God that we are doing hajj this year. May God protect all Arab and Islamic countries," said Dina Mohammed Ramadhan, a 27-year old pilgrim from Egypt, as she and her husband emerged from the crowd pushing two babies in a carriage.
The five-day pilgrimage is packed with symbolism and ritual aimed at cleansing the soul of sin and winning absolution by tracing the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad and of Abraham, whom Muslims view as a forefather of Islam.
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