Iran (IMNA) - In western Saudi Arabia, near the holy city of Mecca, groups of believers crossed the valley of Mina on Wednesday, the third day of the annual Hajj ceremonies, tossing stones at three concrete barriers that served as Satan's representations.
The practice imitates Prophet Ibrahim's stoning of Satan at the three locations where, according to the holy Qur'an, Satan attempted to convince him not to carry out God's command to sacrifice his son Ismail.
Security guards managed the flow of pilgrims in Jamarat, where the stoning rite is performed, while helicopters circled overhead. Saudi officials diligently monitored the throng to guarantee a trouble-free Hajj.
Due to the large number of people converging in a small area, the stoning ceremony has in the past caused disastrous stampedes.
The annual religious gathering was reportedly attended by more than two million pilgrims from more than 160 nations, according to Saudi authorities, making it the "biggest" Hajj pilgrimage in years.
The maximum age restriction has been removed this year, so thousands of senior citizens will be among those enduring Saudi Arabia's oppressive heat, which is expected to hit 44 degrees Celsius.
Muslims who are financially self-sufficient are religiously obligated to attend the Hajj pilgrimage at least once in their lives. It is one of the five pillars of Islam.
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