Starting before dawn, 1.6 million-plus pilgrims began throwing stones at three giant concrete walls symbolising the devil at the Jamarat complex, near the holy city of Mecca.
Despite the throngs, the annual pilgrimage has seen its lowest numbers in decades and a range of new precautions after 1,301 people died in extreme heat last year.
Temperatures hit 42 degrees Celsius on Friday, still well below the high of 51.8C that caused major difficulties in 2024.
However, after three days of long treks in the summer sun, many pilgrims were clearly feeling the effects.
Droves of pilgrims, some in wheelchairs, set out from their accommodation in the sprawling tent city in Mina before daybreak, 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.
Saudi officials have revamped Jamarat, building concrete walkways and bridges, after a 2015 stampede left 2,300 people dead, the hajj’s worst tragedy.
The complex was operating at full capacity, handling up to 300,000 pilgrims an hour, the official Saudi Press Agency said. (AFP)
