Stoning of the Devil
This year's "Stoning of the Devil" ritual has taken place near Mecca as Muslims make their Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi authorities reported no major health or safety upsets at the event, which is notorious for stampedes.
Third day of the Hajj pilgrimage
Hundreds of thousands assemble in front of the three "jamarat," 26-meter (85-foot) long walls in Mina just outside of Mecca. They are here for the "Stoning of the Devil," a ritual part of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. The ritual sympbolizes the reenactment of Abraham's hajj, where he stoned three pillars representing the temptation to disobey God and preserve Ishmael.
Picking up pebbles
At the end of the second day, pilgrims pick up stones in preparation in Muzdalifah, between Arafat and Mina, for the "Stoning of the Devil" ritual. They have to pick seven stones to throw at the "Devil" in Mina the next day.
Throwing the stones
The seven stones they choose are thrown at the biggest jamarah (Arabic for pillar). Until 2004, the jamarat were actual pillars at which pilgrims could throw stones, but Saudi authorities replaced pillars with walls because many people were accidentally throwing pebbles at people on the other side.
Jamarat Bridge
The jamarat are now much more accessible nowadays thanks to the Jamarat Bridge. The original bridge was built in 1963 but has since been expanded several times. The Saudi government built a new multi-level bridge in 2006 after a stampede killed 346 people and injured 289 more.
Stampede of 2015
As the number of pilgrims has increased, Saudi authorities have had to take measures to prevent stampedes. The worst recent stampede occurred in 2015 (pictured), where 2,000 pilgrims suffocated or were crushed during the Hajj pilgrimage. This year, Saudi authorities were pleased to report no heath or safety upsets.