Saudis hail 'successful' pilgrimage as hajj ends
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 29 October 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Saudis hail 'successful' pilgrimage as hajj ends, 29 October 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5090e5bac.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
October 29, 2012
Muslim pilgrims arrive to throw pebbles at pillars during the stoning of Satan ritual in Mina near the holy city of Mecca.
Muslims in the Saudi city of Mecca concluded their final rituals as the annual hajj pilgrimage came to a close on October 29.
Pilgrims hurled rocks at three pillars representing Satan before performing the final progression around the Kaaba, the cube-shaped structure at the city's Grand Mosque.
Mecca Governor Prince Khaled al-Faisal called the five-day event "the most successful hajj season ever."
More than 3 million pilgrims attended.
No major security or health threats were reported during the pilgrimage, which is considered the largest annual human gathering on Earth.
The hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, which must be performed at least once in a lifetime by all Muslims who are physically and financially able to do so.
Based on reporting by AFP and alarabiya.net
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
