Muslims performing the Islamic Hajj pilgramage in Makkah began the three-day stone throwing ritual on Wednesday from dawn to dusk. Pilgrims throw seven stones at a wall representing the devil. The move is to remind Muslims of the devil’s insistence on leading the faithful astray.
The practice is followed by the circumambulation of the Kaaba, which will be the final act of worship, thus concluding the pilgramage. Able-bodied Muslims are required to perform the holy ritual, one of the five main pillars of Islam, at least once in their lifetime. Saudi authorities decided to limit this year’s Hajj to only 60,000 nationals and expatriates residing in the country, due to fears about the spread of coronavirus. – KUNA
