The first day of Tashreeq saw Hajj pilgrims continuing the ritual of stoning at Jamarat in Mina as they hurled pebbles at the three pillars symbolizing the devil. Pilgrims moved in an orderly manner from one pillar to the next, chanting “Allahu Akbar” as they did so. Multiple lanes were allocated for the smooth movement of the pilgrims to the multi-level Jamarat Bridge complex. Prayers were offered after stoning the first two pillars, following the tradition of the Prophet. The innovative structure of the Jamarat facility ensured a smooth flow of pilgrims during the ritual.
The ritual of stoning was delayed on Monday for a couple of hours due to extreme hot weather conditions, reaching 49 degrees Celsius. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah directed Hajj missions and tawafa organizations not to send pilgrims to Jamarat Station from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. due to the scorching sun. This was to ensure the safety of pilgrims and prevent any heat-related emergencies. Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel urged pilgrims to avoid peak sun hours and take precautions to prevent heat stress.
The Ministry of Health reported treating 2,764 cases of heat stress on the first day of Eid. Despite the high temperatures, no significant public health challenges or disease outbreaks were reported. The ministry emphasized the importance of prevention and advised pilgrims to stay hydrated, use umbrellas during rituals, and rest after completing each ritual. Muscle fatigue from frequent movement and walking long distances was also highlighted as a potential concern.
The Tashreeq days saw the Holy Sites of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat recording the highest temperatures since the start of the Hajj, reaching up to 49 degrees. More than 1.83 million pilgrims were performing the stoning ritual, proceeding to the Jamarat Complex from their camps in Mina. The ritual of stoning is the most repeated ritual of the Hajj, with pilgrims required to hurl seven stones at each of the three pillars over the course of two or three days. The Jamarat Complex structure allows for a smooth flow of pilgrims to prevent congestion.
After completing the stoning ritual, sacrificing animals, and other rituals, pilgrims returned to their accommodation in Mina. Security forces and health workers were deployed at the Jamarat Complex to ensure the safety and health of the pilgrims during the ritual. Following the stoning ritual on Monday, pilgrims spent the rest of their time in prayers and supplications in their tents. The Hajj rituals were set to conclude after the stoning rituals at Jamarat on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon.
