Chanting “God is great,” millions of Muslims on Sunday stoned pillars representing the devil in a symbolic rejection of temptation on the second day of their annual hajj pilgrimage, a day that also marks the start of the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha.
Vast crowds cast pebbles as they flowed past the three pillars, which now resemble curved walls, in a four-level sprawling concrete structure built to expedite the flow of pilgrims. The ritual will be repeated for two more days, with participants eventually throwing 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.
Saudi authorities said Sunday that more than 2.9 million Muslims were performing the hajj this year.
Denver Post wire services
