The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has stopped pilgrims from throwing stones.
The Ministry gave a directive stopping the pilgrims from accessing the Jamarat Bridge for the stone-throwing ritual between 11 am and 4 pm due to the intense heat.
Dr. Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, made this announcement on Monday in Mina, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. He explained that the restriction is intended to protect pilgrims from the high temperatures and to prevent heat-related illnesses.
"As a result, pilgrims are forbidden from heading to the Jamarat Bridge for the stone-throwing ritual between 11 am and 4 pm," he stated.
Security personnel will be present at camps to enforce this ban and ensure no pilgrim departs before 4 pm. The Office of Hajj Affairs and service providers are instructed to adhere to this rule, with the warning that any violations will be held accountable.
"We pray for Allah's protection over the pilgrims and the acceptance of their Hajj," he added.
Additionally, officials from Nigeria's Hajj Commission apprehended two illegal migrants of Nigerian descent, Muhammed Umar and Nazifi Tasi'u Garba, who had infiltrated pilgrims' tents amid concerns about overcrowded accommodations and minor theft.
The suspects were handed over to the Saudi Police, where their biometrics were recorded, and they were fined 10,000 Saudi Riyals, payable upon their departure from the country.
The Jamarat are three pillars in Mecca, essential to the Hajj pilgrimage for Muslims. Pilgrims throw pebbles at these pillars to symbolically "stone the devil."
The stoning of the Devil, or rajm al-jamaat, signifies rejecting temptation, affirming faith in Allah, and honoring the Prophet Ibrahim.
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