WATCH: Pilgrims begin symbolic ‘stoning of devil’ in last major Hajj ritual

Pilgrims began heading back to Mina and the Grand Mosque to perform further rites and rituals on the third day of their Hajj pilgrimage and first day of Eid al-Adha on Tuesday.

Having spent the previous night camped out in the open in Muzdalifah, pilgrims will proceed back to the Mina and Makkah to perform several duties, one of which is the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual.

On Monday, Muslims around the world are also marking one of two Islamic holidays, known in Arabic as Eid al-Adha, commemorating what Muslims believe was Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael as a test of his faith from God.

For the stoning ritual, pilgrims will be filing in to crowds through a multi-level structure housing three pillars symbolizing the devil.

Blazing sun and traffic snarls notwithstanding, millions of pilgrims made the best of their presence in Mount Arafat on Monday.

Overnight sandstorm had delayed their move to Arafat and by the time most pilgrims got there, the blazing sun was out in the open.

hajj

hajj

They braved blistering heat, with some of them getting completely exhausted. Local medical clinics worked overtime to keep pilgrims rehydrated and attending to the blisters.

Chants of Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik filled the air while smaller groups took shelter in camps to rejuvenate before setting off again.

hajj

hajj

The most important day of Hajj pilgrimage was sealed with a congregation and prayers under the open skies of Muzdalefa, following which they started proceeding to Jamraat for the symbolic stoning of the devil.

As buses rolled into Jamraat for the stoning ritual, traffic in the entire area moved at a quick pace.