MUZDALIFA: Having stood on Mount Arafat in the climax of Haj, nearly three million pilgrims moved yesterday, to the arid valley of Mina to prepare for the symbolic stoning of the devil.

Chanting “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik (Here I am answering Your call, O God),” the faithful descended from Mount Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) delivered his last sermon 14 centuries ago. They moved on foot and in buses and vehicles to the valley of Muzdalifah, a few kilometres away, where they performed shortened Maghrib and Isha’ prayers.

They will collect pebbles for the symbolic devil stoning.

Early today, pilgrims will move back to Mina and sacrifice an animal, usually a sheep, to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son on God’s order.

This ceremony marks the start of the four-day Eid Al Adha, which marks the end of hajj.

Pilgrims will spend another two days in Mina for the stoning of Satan. Pilgrims hurl seven pebbles from behind a fence or from an overhead bridge every day for three days at each of the three 18-meter high concrete pillars symbolising the devil.

Satan appeared on the same site to Prophet Abraham, son Ishmael and wife Hagar, who each threw seven stones at the devil.