Updated on
Summary Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims massed in Mina for stoning of Satan, the last rite of Hajj.
To complete the ritual, a pilgrim must throw 21 pebbles at each of three 25-metre (82-foot) pillars.Saudi authorities have installed a multi-level walkway through the site in a bid to avoid the trampling that caused the deaths of 364 people in 2006, 251 in 2004 and 1,426 in 1990.So far this year, no major incidents have been reported among the more than 2.5 million pilgrims.Things are going well and according to plans, interior ministry spokesman General Mansur al-Turki said.A large security force monitored worshippers headed for the stoning after slaughtering sheep in a ritual for Eid al-Adha to recall Abrahams willingness to sacrifice his son on Gods order.Most pilgrims did not sacrifice an animal themselves, but instead bought vouchers from the Saudi authorities which then forward meat in the form of aid to poor Muslims in other countries.After the stoning ceremony, the pilgrims go to Meccas Great Mosque for a farewell visit to the Kaaba.The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be performed at least once in a lifetime by all those who are able to make the journey.
