About two million Muslim pilgrims are completing the final day of rituals of the hajj, the five-day journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Stones were thrown at the jamarat pillars in Mina, close to Mecca, Islam’s holiest city, during the third stage of the hajj on Saturday.

Pilgrims are required to cast 49 pebbles against three broad stone pillars over two or three days, marking Abraham’s three rejections of the devil’s attempts to persuade him to sacrifice his son, against God’s instructions.

They then circle the kaaba shrine, in the centre of Mecca’s Grand Mosque, throwing stones at its walls that represent the devil, to complete the annual hajj. All able-bodied Muslims are required to complete hajj at least once during their lifetime.

Authorities are now preparing for a mass exodus of pilgrims.

Officials said that this year’s hajj had been a success, with a spread of the H1N1 flu virus not occurring as feared.   »»» Al Jazeera English

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