Nearly two million pilgrims from all over the world gathered in Mecca, Saudi Arabia on Friday to perform the final major ritual of Hajj, known as the “stoning of the devil”. This ritual marks the beginning of the Eid al-Adha holiday, one of the most important celebrations in the Islamic calendar.
Hajj is a pilgrimage that every able-bodied Muslim is required to perform at least once in their lifetime. It is a journey of spiritual significance, where pilgrims follow in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad and retrace the actions of Prophet Abraham and his family. The five-day pilgrimage is a time for reflection, prayer, and seeking forgiveness.
The “stoning of the devil” ritual takes place in Mina, a valley located just outside of Mecca. Pilgrims throw pebbles at three pillars that represent Satan, symbolizing their rejection of evil and temptation. This ritual is a reminder to stay steadfast in one’s faith and to resist the temptations of the devil.
This year, the ritual was carried out with strict health and safety measures in place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Pilgrims wore masks and maintained social distancing while performing the ritual, in accordance with the guidelines set by the Saudi government. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the spirit of Hajj remained strong and the pilgrims were determined to fulfill their religious duties.
The stoning of the devil is not only a physical act, but also a symbolic one. It represents the struggle between good and evil, and the triumph of good over evil. It is a powerful reminder for Muslims to stay on the right path and to always strive towards righteousness.
As the pilgrims completed this final ritual, they also celebrated the beginning of Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”. This holiday commemorates Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, as an act of obedience to God. It is a time for Muslims to reflect on the importance of sacrifice, both in a spiritual and material sense.
During Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world sacrifice an animal, usually a goat, sheep, or cow, and distribute the meat to the less fortunate. This act of charity and generosity is a reminder to be grateful for the blessings in our lives and to share with those in need.
The celebration of Eid al-Adha is also a time for families and communities to come together and strengthen their bonds. It is a time for forgiveness, reconciliation, and spreading love and kindness. The spirit of Eid al-Adha is one of unity and compassion, and it is a beautiful reminder of the values of Islam.
The stoning of the devil and the celebration of Eid al-Adha hold great significance for Muslims, not just in terms of religious obligations, but also in terms of spiritual growth and strengthening one’s faith. It is a time for reflection, self-improvement, and seeking forgiveness from God.
As we witness the completion of Hajj and the beginning of Eid al-Adha, let us all take a moment to reflect on the lessons and values of this important occasion. Let us strive to be better individuals, to spread love and kindness, and to always stay on the path of righteousness. May this Eid bring peace, happiness, and blessings to all Muslims around the world. Eid Mubarak!
