As pilgrims from around the world gather in Saudi Arabia to observe the annual Hajj, the last major ritual of stoning the devil took place on Sunday. This ritual, which commemorates Abraham's obedience to God to sacrifice his son, marks the beginning of the Eid al-Adha celebrations for Muslims. Legit.ng is also providing a special opportunity for its readers to vote for their favorite entertainers in 15 categories for the 2024 Entertainment Awards. Meanwhile, Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada brings his extensive experience in covering metro and government policy to report on this important event.
Hajj, Eid al-Adha, and the Stoning of the Devil
Background:
The Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia that is required of all able-bodied Muslims once in their lifetime. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and a sacred journey for believers, who strive to purify their souls and seek forgiveness from God.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of the Hajj and commemorates the prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God.
Stoning of the Devil:
The stoning of the devil is a symbolic ritual that takes place during the Hajj. Pilgrims throw pebbles at three pillars known as the Jamarat, which represent Satan. This act symbolizes the rejection of temptation and the believer's commitment to follow the path of God.
Recent Events:
On Sunday, July 9, 2023, pilgrims gathered at Mina, a valley near Mecca, to perform the last major ritual of the Hajj, the stoning of the devil. The ritual marked the beginning of the Eid al-Adha celebrations.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What is the significance of the Hajj? The Hajj is a spiritual journey of purification and atonement, during which pilgrims seek forgiveness from God and strengthen their connection to their faith.
2. Why is the stoning of the devil performed? The stoning of the devil symbolizes the rejection of temptation and the believer's commitment to follow the path of God.
3. When does Eid al-Adha take place? Eid al-Adha begins on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar.
4. How is Eid al-Adha celebrated? Eid al-Adha is celebrated by attending prayers, slaughtering animals, sharing meat with neighbors, and exchanging gifts.
5. What was the significance of the 2023 Hajj? The 2023 Hajj was the first to be held without COVID-19 restrictions, marking a return to normal pilgrimage for millions of Muslims worldwide.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out a massive retaliatory attack on Israel, launching around 200 missiles at key military and security targets. The attack, which marked a significant escalation of hostilities between the two nations, was reportedly in response to the killings of key Iranian and Hezbollah commanders by Israel. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, world leaders have condemned the attack and called for de-escalation to prevent further violence.
Amid a significant escalation in tensions, Iran has launched nearly 200 missiles into Israel, prompting retaliation and warning from both sides. One man has been reported dead in the West Bank, while Hezbollah targets are being struck in the Lebanese capital. This is a developing story and will be updated as details emerge.
In a newly released briefing, the Israel Defense Forces revealed that their special forces have been actively operating in southern Lebanon since November last year. Their main goal has been to locate and destroy any tunnels and infrastructure used by the terrorist group Hezbollah. The briefing showcased the extensive undercover operations that the commandos have been conducting, including the use of body cameras and air strikes on tunnel locations. This comes as Israel announces a ground incursion into southern Lebanon in an effort to prevent Hezbollah's planned "Conquer the Galilee" invasion.
In a shocking revelation, former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claims that the head of Israel's national intelligence agency Mossad, who was responsible for multiple operations in Iran including stealing nuclear documents and assassinating nuclear scientists, was actually an Israeli national and a double agent. Ahmadinejad also revealed that Iran's secret services had created a special unit to counter Mossad's activities in Iran, which was headed by the alleged Mossad agent. This news has further fueled tensions between Iran and Israel, as well as raised questions about the effectiveness of Iran's intelligence services.
In response to Iran’s missile attack on Israel, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a stern warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declaring that Iran was not a belligerent but stood firmly against any threat. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, also spoke defiantly, suggesting that the attacks would intensify, while Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed over 150 missiles launched by Iran and sent millions of Israelis into bomb shelters. As both sides prepare for further action, tensions remain high in the region.
The Indian Navy ships of the First Training Squadron have arrived in the port city of Bandar Abbas, Iran for a joint training deployment in the Persian Gulf. This visit marks an important step in strengthening maritime cooperation between India and Iran. During the visit, the ships will participate in various activities to enhance maritime security and interoperability between the two navies. This visit highlights India's commitment to promoting regional cooperation in line with the vision of SAGAR.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated further as Israel has launched a ground invasion in southern Lebanon against the armed group. This marks a significant escalation in the long-running conflict and has raised concerns about a potential regional war. Despite facing heavy blows from Israel, including the killing of its leader, Hezbollah remains defiant and continues to fire rockets into northern Israel. The Israeli military says the operation is aimed at ensuring the safe return of displaced residents near the border, but there are fears that this could be the beginning of a wider campaign against the group.
Israeli Prime Minister condemns Iran's missile attack on Israel during a phone call with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The attack, which has caused no reported injuries, has sparked a ground operation by Israeli troops in Lebanon. The Israeli PM is calling for international action against Iran's aggression.
Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the US has issued a warning about an imminent missile attack from Iran against Israel. The White House stated that the US is actively supporting Israel’s preparations to defend against the attack and warned that Iran would face severe consequences if it were to launch a direct military attack. While the IDF has not yet identified any aerial threat from Iran, Israel’s Prime Minister has urged civilians to follow safety instructions. The US military had previously warned Iran against escalating the conflict, and recent events have sparked concerns of a larger conflict in the region.
In a statement released by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, it was confirmed that their missile attack on Israel specifically aimed at hitting three military bases near Tel Aviv, the country's commercial hub. This news comes amidst escalating tensions between Iran and Israel and highlights the continued struggle for power and dominance in the region. As the situation continues to develop, this attack serves as a reminder of the potential for further conflict in the Middle East.