The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has stopped pilgrims from proceeding to the Jamarat Bridge for the ritual of throwing stones from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. due to extreme heat.
Hundreds of thousands of Muslims make a journey to Mina to throw stones at three walls that they believe represent the devil.
The stoning ritual was halted after several people died.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman, issued the directive in a statement on Monday in Mina, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Sulaiman stated that the measures became necessary to ensure the well-being of pilgrims amidst high temperatures and to prevent heat stress.
“Accordingly, the following measures have been implemented: Pilgrims are prohibited from proceeding to the Jamarat Bridge for the ritual of throwing stones from 11. a.m to 4.pm.”
Speaking further, he said security personnel would be stationed at camps to enforce the restriction and prevent any pilgrim from departing before 4 p.m.
He urged the Office of Hajj Affairs and service providers to ensure compliance, adding that they would be held responsible for any violations thereof.
“We pray for Allah’s protection over the pilgrims and the acceptance of their Hajj.”