Millions of Muslims have marked the festival of Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) in the holy city of Mecca, throwing pebbles at three stone pillars that symbolize Satan.


Pilgrims hurl stones at three pillars representing the spot where the devil is said to have appeared to Prophet Ibrahim.

The ritual takes place in Mina on the outskirts of Mecca and the event marks Prophet Abraham’s defiance of Satan by throwing stones at it.

The Devil appeared on the Prophet’s way three times before he decided to sacrifice his son Ismail.

Eid al-Adha celebrations follow Muslims decent from Mount Arafat, a hill east of Mecca, and pilgrims later sacrifice animals like sheep, rams, goats, cattle or camels.

The act commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son on divine order. Millions of Muslims around the world attend the day’s prayers.

Hajj is considered as one of the five pillars of Islam and the largest act of mass pilgrimage in the world. The holy pilgrimage is also a demonstration of Muslims’ unity and their submission to Allah.
Every able-bodied Muslim is obliged to perform the pilgrimage at least once in his or her lifetime.