An estimated 2 million pilgrims on Tuesday had sheep slaughtered to give to the poor and stoned the devil while the men shaved their heads to demonstrate the renewal of their faith and purify their souls.
The rituals, which included stoning Satan as a symbolic gesture to reject temptation and sin, marked the beginning of Eid Al-Adha. The holiday commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son according to God’s will, although God allowed Ibrahim to sacrifice a sheep instead.
The stoning will continue for at least two more days followed by the circling of the Kaaba.
Keeping Satan at bay
Keeping Satan at bay
