Pilgrims conclude Hajj rituals, depart from Mina

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims bid farewell to the tent city of Mina on the second day of Ayyam Al-Tashreeq after completing the stoning ritual at the symbolic pillars of Satan.

The spiritual journey culminated with pilgrims leaving for the Grand Mosque in Makkah to perform the farewell tawaf, marking the last ritual of the Hajj pilgrimage. Those who opted to stay overnight in Mina will conclude their pilgrimage on Saturday by completing the stoning ritual.

To avoid congestion and ensure a smooth departure, authorities implemented a two-day schedule for the departure of pilgrims from Mina to the Grand Mosque. The Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques coordinated with various service and security sectors to facilitate the pilgrims’ movement and provide integrated services. The implementation of the second operational plan aimed to enhance comfort and ease for departing pilgrims at the Grand Mosque.

Under the meticulous arrangements, pilgrims peacefully conducted the stoning ritual this afternoon, emulating Prophet Ibrahim’s defiance of the devil. The pebble-throwing ritual symbolizes the renunciation of evil and the rejection of Satan’s temptations. Pilgrims seamlessly transitioned from one pillar to another, with multiple lanes allocated on the Jamarat Bridge for their convenience.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims from more than 150 nationalities proceeded from their camps in Mina to the Jamarat Complex as scheduled. Pilgrims either used the Mashair Train and buses or walked on foot from nearby tents to reach the Jamarat. After completing the stoning ritual, pilgrims returned to their accommodations in Mina, packed their belongings, and boarded buses destined for Makkah to perform the farewell tawaf.

Although the official conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage is on the third day of Tashreeq, pilgrims were permitted to depart a day earlier, ensuring a timely and smooth exit for those eager to conclude their sacred journey.