SAUDI ARABIA .
Millions of Muslim pilgrims from across the globe Friday morning walked on foot through several designated routes established by the Saudi authorities to ease the flow of crowds toward the Ramy al-Jamarat.
The ritual is performed at a massive multi-level structure housing three pillars, which symbolize the rejection of Satan.
Each pilgrim carried small pebbles in hand and hurled them at the first pillar while declaring, “In the name of Almighty Allah, we reject you, Satan.” The well-organised traffic system compels pilgrims to keep moving forward without returning on the same route, significantly reducing the risk of stampedes that claimed lives in the past.
Following the stoning ritual, male pilgrims are required to shave their heads, while females cut small portions of their hair. Pilgrims also take baths and change out of their special pilgrimage garments as part of completing this phase of the Hajj.
Many Ugandan pilgrims have since returned to their respective camp sites in Mina and were seen resting by midday.