MAKKAH, Thekabarnews.com—Muslims worldwide marked the start of Eid al-Adha. Meanwhile, more than 1.7 million pilgrims set off on the annual Hajj journey in Saudi Arabia this week. This journey culminated in the symbolic “Stoning of the Devil” ritual.

Pilgrims performed the final Hajj ritual on Wednesday in Mina, outside Makkah, by throwing pebbles at three pillars representing Satan.

The ritual is an homage to the faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim. He resisted the temptations of Satan and obeyed the decree of Allah.

Official figures released by statistical officials in the Kingdom indicated that Saudi Arabia was able to receive about 1,707,301 pilgrims. These pilgrims were able to perform Hajj 2026.

Pilgrim Statistics: 1,546,655 pilgrims from abroad and 160,646 domestic pilgrims, including Saudi citizens and residents, performed the pilgrimage.

The figures highlight the ongoing global importance of the Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a religious obligation that Muslims must fulfill at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able.

Saudi authorities reported that the event featured participants from 165 nationalities, showcasing an unprecedented international mix.

The pilgrimage also highlighted the scale of logistical organization involved in one of the world’s largest annual religious events.

Saudi authorities deployed about 441,049 personnel to support security, healthcare, transportation, crowd management, sanitation, and emergency response operations during Hajj.

Furthermore, 26,701 volunteers took part in the operational work during the Hajj season. They helped the pilgrims move between the holy sites and get the necessary services.

Latest figures also show the way pilgrims entered the Kingdom. The most common mode of arrival for overseas pilgrims was by air with 1,485,729 arrivals. Meanwhile, 54,429 pilgrims arrived on land and 6,497 by sea.

The genders were split almost evenly. The official statistics showed that 893,396 male pilgrims and 813,905 female pilgrims attended. This is a reflection of the huge participation of Muslims from around the globe.

Saudi Arabia has invested billions in infrastructure, transport networks, health services, crowd control measures, and digital technologies. This investment is made to serve the growing numbers of pilgrims safely and efficiently.

There were no glitches in the 2026 Hajj season, officials said. This was a logistical triumph considering the millions of pilgrims who had to be accommodated at various holy sites, including Makkah, Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat.

For many pilgrims, Hajj answers a lifetime of spiritual yearning. People who attend often say it is a life-changing experience. Common themes are religion, humility, equality, and unity of Muslims around the world.

As Hajj concluded and Eid al-Adha celebrations began worldwide, Muslims gathered with their families and communities to mark the holiday. They reflect on the virtues of sacrifice, devotion, and compassion that mark one of the most important religious observances of Islam.

The successful realization of Hajj 2026 has demonstrated the vital importance of Saudi Arabia as the host of one of the world’s largest spiritual congregations. Here, worshipers from all over the world come together in a collective act of worship and spiritual reflection.