As the 2025 Hajj draws to a close, nearly 2 million pilgrims — most of them from outside Saudi Arabia —have taken part in this year’s pilgrimage.
Official figures from the General Authority for Statistics revealed that 1,673,230 people completed Hajj. International pilgrims numbered 1,506,576, while domestic participants, including Saudi citizens and residents, totalled 166,654. The gender breakdown showed 877,841 male and 795,389 female pilgrims.
Pilgrims are performing the final rites of the Hajj, including the symbolic stoning of the devil at the three pillars of Jamarat, which marks the beginning of the three days of Tashreeq.
The ritual commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) rejection of Shaitan’s temptations by stoning him. Pilgrims throw pebbles at the three pillars for three days, symbolising defiance against evil.
On Thursday, they gathered at Arafat for extended periods of prayer and reflection at the sacred site where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) delivered his final sermon during his last pilgrimage.
Hajj concludes with the farewell Tawaf, a final circumambulation around the Kaaba.
The six-day Hajj observance commenced Wednesday and will conclude with final ceremonies on Monday.
