Dhu Al Hijja 10 - Third Day of Haj, 2012

For non-pilgrims, it is Eid Al Adha, a day of celebration, family reunions and rest. However, for pilgrims, this is the most taxing day of Haj. After Fajr prayers, a pilgrim joins the large crowd heading back towards Mina. The crowd is literally millions-strong, all heading in one direction. It is here pilgrims will surely be tested as the intensity of the situation and the lack of sleep could result in fraying tempers, a definite no-no when undertaking Haj. Pilgrims arrive at Jamarat Al Aqabah for the stone-throwing ritual. The action harks to the days of Prophet Abraham where he brushed off the advances of Satan to sin. The stone-throwing represents Abraham's rejection of Satan and his solid belief in the Oneness of God. After casting their stones, mostly local pilgrims slaughter either a sheep or a goat and donate the meat to the poor. For pilgrims arriving from abroad, part of their Haj fees include paying local abattoirs to slaughter the meat in the pilgrim's name and its charitable distribution. Today also represents a spiritual and physical release; pilgrims are now allowed to shower and change into comfortable clothing. For men, it is recommended to have their head shaved or trimmed, while for women the trimming of only a finger tip's worth of hair will suffice. Pilgrims then proceed to the Grand Mosque, also known as Masjid Al Haram in Mecca, to circle the Kaaba seven times, offer a prayer at the Station of Abraham within the mosque, and walk (sometimes jog) seven times between two small hills near the Kaaba. Both hills are within the Grand Mosque's grounds, so pilgrims don't have to leave the premises. Pilgrims then return to Mina to spend the night.

* Saeed Saeed

More pictures from Haj

• Dhu Al Hijja 12 – Final Day of Haj, 2012

• Dhu Al Hijja 11 – Fourth Day of Haj, 2012

• Dhu Al Hijja 9 – Second Day of Haj, 2012

• Dhu Al Hijja 8 – First Day of Haj, 2012

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