Extreme heat: Saudi stops pilgrims from ‘throwing stones’ for 5hrs

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has stopped pilgrims from proceeding to the Jamarat Bridge for the ritual of throwing stones from 11am to 4pm due to extreme heat.

The Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman, issued the directive in a statement on Monday in Mina, Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He said that the measure became necessary to ensure the well-being of pilgrims amidst high temperatures and prevent heat stress.

”Accordingly, the following measures have been implemented: Pilgrims are prohibited from proceeding to the Jamarat Bridge for the ritual of throwing stones from 11am to 4pm.”

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He said that security personnel would be stationed at camps to enforce the restriction and prevent any pilgrim from departing before 4pm.

He urged the Office of Hajj Affairs and service providers to ensure compliance, adding that they would be held responsible for any violations.

”We pray for Allah’s protection over the pilgrims and the acceptance of their Hajj.”

Meanwhile, the officials of Nigeria’s Hajj Commission have intercepted two illegal migrants of Nigerian descent (Muhammed Umar and Nazifi Tasi’u GARBA), over infiltration of pilgrims’ tents amidst concerns regarding overstretched accommodation and petty theft.

Consequently, the suspects were handed over to the Saudi Police, where their biometrics were obtained and a fine of 10,000 Saudi Riyals was imposed on them to be paid whenever they leave the country.

NAN reports that the Jamarat are three pillars located in Mecca and are an important part of the Hajj pilgrimage for Muslims.

As part of their pilgrimage to Mecca, pilgrims throw pebbles at the pillars to symbolically “stone the devil.”

The Stoning of the Devil—or rajm al-jamaat, translated as throwing pebbles — is a way for Muslims to reject temptation, affirm their faith in Allah, and honour the Prophet Ibrahim. (NAN)