Muslim Pilgrims ‘Stone the Devil’ as Hajj Nears End in Saudi Arabiahttps://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5151483-muslim-pilgrims-%E2%80%98stone-devil%E2%80%99-hajj-nears-end-saudi-arabia
Muslim Pilgrims ‘Stone the Devil’ as Hajj Nears End in Saudi Arabia
Muslim pilgrims cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina near the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP)
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Muslim Pilgrims ‘Stone the Devil’ as Hajj Nears End in Saudi Arabia
Muslim pilgrims cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina near the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP)
Pilgrims were performing the last major ritual of the Hajj -- the "stoning of the devil" -- on Friday, as Muslims around the globe celebrated the beginning of the Eid al-Adha holiday.
From before daybreak, the 1.6 million-plus pilgrims began throwing seven stones at each of three concrete walls symbolizing the devil in the Mina valley, on the outskirts of the holy city of Makkah.
Droves of pilgrims had already set out from their accommodation in the sprawling tent city in Mina before dawn, taking advantage of the cool temperatures.
The ritual commemorates Abraham's stoning of the devil at the three spots where it is said Satan tried to dissuade him from obeying God's order to sacrifice his son.
"Our experience in Mina was easy and simple. We entered and within five minutes we had completed the stoning of the devil at the 'Jamarat'," said 34-year-old Wael Ahmed Abdel Kader, from Egypt, after carrying out the ritual at dawn.
Howakita, a pilgrim from Guinea, said the prospect of celebrating Eid in Makkah filled her with joy.
"When I threw the stones, I felt at ease. I was truly proud," she said.
A day earlier, pilgrims converged on Mount Arafat, praying and reciting Quranic verses at the 70-meter (230-foot) rocky rise near Makkah, where the Prophet Mohammed gave his last sermon.
Many climbed the mount despite the searing heat, though numbers had thinned by midday following official warnings for pilgrims to stay inside between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
This year's Hajj saw authorities implementing a range of heat mitigation efforts alongside a wide-ranging crackdown on illicit pilgrims.
Albudaiwi: Regional Arrangements Excluding Gulf States Are Rejectedhttps://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5255637-albudaiwi-regional-arrangements-excluding-gulf-states-are-rejected
Albudaiwi: Regional Arrangements Excluding Gulf States Are Rejected
Albudaiwi affirmed that Gulf states had long been a pillar of regional and global stability (GCC)
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi on Thursday called for Gulf states to be included in talks or agreements to resolve the crisis between Iran and the US and Israel.
“We stress the importance of involving GCC countries in any talks or agreements to resolve this crisis, in a way that contributes to strengthening their security and stability,” said Albudaiwi.
He added that the bloc rejected “any arrangements intended to redraw the map of the Middle East after the conflict ends.”
He said the GCC’s first choice was a diplomatic and political solution, describing it as “the wisest and most successful option,” while noting that Gulf states were reviewing all options in line with international law and the UN Charter.
Speaking in Riyadh to Arab and foreign ambassadors, Albudaiwi urged partners to send a unified international message to Iran demanding an immediate and unconditional halt to attacks on GCC states.
He said the Gulf’s goal “has never been to destroy Iran or weaken it, but to reach a normal relationship based on mutual respect, non-interference and non-aggression.”
He rejected framing the situation as part of “Middle East complexities,” calling it “a blatant violation of international law” and “a systematic targeting” of states not involved in any conflict.
Albudaiwi said Gulf states would not accept becoming targets of aggression (GCC)
Albudaiwi said GCC states had long been a pillar of regional and global stability, a reliable energy source, and a responsible economic partner. But he said they would not accept becoming targets of aggression, arenas for regional rivalries, or seeing their citizens killed without accountability.
He said Iranian attacks over 25 days had exceeded 5,000 ballistic missiles and drones targeting GCC states.
Albudaiwi revealed that 85% of Iranian missiles launched in the war were aimed at Gulf states.
He praised Gulf air defenses for limiting the impact of the attacks, but said that this does not diminish the scale of the aggression or absolve Iran of full responsibility.
He said Iran had “crossed every line” by closing the Strait of Hormuz, blocking commercial ships and oil tankers, and imposing transit fees, in violation of international law.
He also cited repeated ship hijackings and attacks carried out through Iran’s regional proxies.
He warned that disruption to shipping would hit not only Gulf states but the global economy, especially as some countries face oil and gas shortages.
Albudaiwi explained that maritime passages are governed by international agreements, and no party can obstruct them or impose conditions.
The impact of closing the Strait of Hormuz may begin with higher energy prices, but its cumulative repercussions on the global economy, energy markets, marine insurance, and civil aviation would be catastrophic.
“What happens in the Strait of Hormuz does not stay in the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.
Albudaiwi said Gulf states were surprised by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, stressing they had made clear they would not take part in military action or allow their territory to be used against Iran, and had informed Tehran of that.
“Yet this position did not prevent it from attacking GCC states,” he said.
He said GCC states had shown restraint and chosen not to respond to avoid widening the conflict, and in the hope that Iran would come to its senses and stop these attacks.
He said Gulf states produce about 16 million barrels per day of crude oil, or 22% of global output, and account for 27% of global oil exports, or 11.5 million barrels per day.
They also hold 33% of global oil reserves and 21% of natural gas reserves.
These figures make the Gulf an indispensable pillar of the global economy, Albudaiwi affirmed, warning that any disruption would directly affect energy security and global economic stability.
Zelenskyy Arrives in Jeddahhttps://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5255557-zelenskyy-arrives-jeddah
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine arrived in Jeddah Thursday. At King Abdulaziz International Airport, he was welcomed by Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz and several other officials.
Zelenskiy said he would hold "important meetings" in the Kingdom as part of an effort to bolster ties with Middle East countries amid the Iran war.
"Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled. We appreciate the support and support those who are ready to work with us to ensure security," Zelenskyy wrote on X.
Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, accompanied Zelenskiy on the visit.
Saudi FM Discusses Regional Developments with his French, Canadian Counterpartshttps://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5255554-saudi-fm-discusses-regional-developments-his-french-canadian-counterparts
Saudi FM Discusses Regional Developments with his French, Canadian Counterparts
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Thursday with France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot on the sidelines of his participation in the Group of Seven (G7) ministerial meeting held France.
During the meeting, they reviewed relations between the two countries, along with ways to strengthen and develop them.
They also discussed the latest developments in the region and ongoing efforts in this regard.
According to SPA, the Saudi minister also met with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand.
During their meeting they reviewed cooperation between the two countries in various fields, in addition to discussing the latest developments and issues of common interest.
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