Muslims stone devil as haj reaches end
- 12 years ago
Thousands of Muslim pilgrims stream into the Saudi Arabian city of Mina.
They have come from around the world to take part in the haj - a journey to the birthplace of Islam.
More than three million people are staying in temporary tents here in Mina.
On Sunday, they poured into the multi-level Jamarat Bridge to stone its wall - symbolizing the ritual stoning of the devil.
For many, it was the experience of a lifetime.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) EGYPTIAN PILGRIM, WAEL ABDULMAJEED, SAYING:
"I am very, very lucky to achieve my dream to accompany my mother to go to the holy places and to make this pilgrimage a ceremony."
One of Islam's five pillars, every Muslim who is able has a duty to complete the journey.
The haj started last Wednesday and will end on Tuesday.
They have come from around the world to take part in the haj - a journey to the birthplace of Islam.
More than three million people are staying in temporary tents here in Mina.
On Sunday, they poured into the multi-level Jamarat Bridge to stone its wall - symbolizing the ritual stoning of the devil.
For many, it was the experience of a lifetime.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) EGYPTIAN PILGRIM, WAEL ABDULMAJEED, SAYING:
"I am very, very lucky to achieve my dream to accompany my mother to go to the holy places and to make this pilgrimage a ceremony."
One of Islam's five pillars, every Muslim who is able has a duty to complete the journey.
The haj started last Wednesday and will end on Tuesday.