story Jamrat Bridge, which is 1.2 kilometer in length and 100 meters in width, is a magnificent architectural structure. The oval-shaped places for stoning the Jamrat have been designed in such a way as to enable the pilgrims perform the stoning ritual with ease and in comfort. “By Wednesday noon, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims stoned the Jamrat safely,” said Dr. Osama Fadhl Al-Bar, Mayor of Makkah and a member of the Central Haj Committee. Pilgrims, who are pleased with the Haj arrangements, are returning to Makkah to make their last obligatory Tawaf known as Tawaf Al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf). Those who may not leave Mina until after Maghrib (sunset) on Wednesday will have to stay in the valley for another day before returning to Makkah. Mina, a city for about 2.5 million this week, will almost be deserted by Thursday evening. The five abattoirs of Mina were busy as pilgrims slaughtered animals following the Sunnah of Prophet Abraham and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them). The biggest abattoir on Route 9 had the heaviest workload slaughtering animals round the clock. Keith Ellison, a member of the United States Congress from Minnesota, said he was amazed at the beautiful and marvelously designed architecture of the Holy Mosque and the Jamrat Bridge. He also praised the well thought-out and brilliantly-executed Haj arrangements and the cleanliness and hygienic conditions in Mina.
