In response to extreme heat, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has halted pilgrims from proceeding to the Jamarat Bridge for the ritual of throwing stones between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Dr. Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, issued this directive in a statement made on Monday in Mina, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Sulaiman emphasized the necessity of these measures to ensure the well-being of the pilgrims in the high temperatures and to prevent heat-related stress.
“Hence, the following actions have been put in place: Pilgrims are not allowed to proceed to the Jamarat Bridge for the stone-throwing ritual from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.”
He also mentioned that security personnel have been stationed at camps to enforce the restriction and prevent any pilgrim from leaving before 4 p.m.
Sulaiman urged the Office of Hajj Affairs and service providers to ensure compliance, reminding them that they would be held accountable for any violations.
“We pray for Allah’s protection over the pilgrims and for the acceptance of their Hajj.”
Meanwhile, an official from Nigeria’s Hajj Commission apprehended two illegal migrants of Nigerian descent (Muhammed Umar and Nazifi Tasi’u GARBA) for infiltrating pilgrims’ tents amidst concerns about overcrowded accommodation and petty theft.
Subsequently, the suspects were handed over to the Saudi Police, where they underwent biometric processes, and were fined 10,000 Saudi Riyals, which they were required to pay when leaving the country.
It is noted that the Jamarat consists of three pillars located in Mecca and plays a significant role in the Muslim Hajj pilgrimage.
During the pilgrimage to Mecca, participants throw pebbles at these pillars symbolically to “stone the devil.”
The Stoning of the Devil, also known as rajm al-jamaat, is a symbolic act for Muslims to resist temptation, affirm their faith in Allah, and honor the Prophet Ibrahim.
According to the Saudi Gazette, over 1.83 million pilgrims participated in this year’s Hajj.
Out of the total, 1,833,164 pilgrims came from various parts of the world to partake in the annual pilgrimage, including 1,611,310 foreign pilgrims and 221,854 domestic pilgrims, comprising citizens and expatriates.
NAN