Dhu Al Hijja 10 - Third Day of Haj, 2012

A pilgrim prays after casting seven stones at a pillar that symbolises Satan during the haj pilgrimage in Mina. Amr Abdallah Dalsh / Reuters

Pilgrims collect stones for the Jamarat ritual. Amr Abdallah Dalsh / Reuters

Muslims throw pebbles during the Jamarat, the stoning of Satan, in Mina near Mecca. Fayez Nureldine / AFP

On the first day of Eid Al Adha, Muslims throw stones during the Jamarat, or stoning of Satan, ritual in Mina. Amr Abdallah Dalsh / Reuters

Pilgrims cast seven stones at a pillar that symbolises Satan during the haj pilgrimage. Amr Abdallah Dalsh / Reuters

A Muslim throws a stone at a pillar in a ritual called Jamarat, the last rite of the annual haj, the Islamic faith's most holy pilgrimage. Hassan Ammar / AP Photo

Pilgrims cast a stone at a pillar, during Jamarat. Hassan Ammar / AP Photo

Muslims hug each other as they celebrate after casting stones at a pillar, symbolising the stoning of Satan, in a ritual called Jamarat. Hassan Ammar / AP Photo

Muslim pilgrims shave their heads after casting seven stones at a pillar during the annual haj pilgrimage on the first day of Eid al-Adha in Mina. Amr Abdallah Dalsh / Reuters

A pilgrim has his head shaved after casting stones at a pillar during the annual haj pilgrimage. Amr Abdallah Dalsh / Reuters

A Muslim has his head ritually shaved after he cast stones at a pillar, symbolising the stoning of Satan. Hassan Ammar / AP Photo

A man who has his head ritually shaved rinses, after casting stones at a pillar during Jamarat

A pilgrim prays after casting seven stones at a pillar that symbolises Satan during the annual haj pilgrimage on the first day of Eid al-Adha in Mina. Amr Abdallah Dalsh / Reuters

For non-pilgrims, it is Eid Al Adha, a day of celebration, family reunions and rest. However, for pilgrims, this is the most taxing day of Haj. After Fajr prayers, a pilgrim joins the large crowd heading back towards Mina. The crowd is literally millions-strong, all heading in one direction. It is here pilgrims will surely be tested as the intensity of the situation and the lack of sleep could result in fraying tempers, a definite no-no when undertaking Haj. Pilgrims arrive at Jamarat Al Aqabah for the stone-throwing ritual. The action harks to the days of Prophet Abraham where he brushed off the advances of Satan to sin. The stone-throwing represents Abraham's rejection of Satan and his solid belief in the Oneness of God. After casting their stones, mostly local pilgrims slaughter either a sheep or a goat and donate the meat to the poor. For pilgrims arriving from abroad, part of their Haj fees include paying local abattoirs to slaughter the meat in the pilgrim's name and its charitable distribution. Today also represents a spiritual and physical release; pilgrims are now allowed to shower and change into comfortable clothing. For men, it is recommended to have their head shaved or trimmed, while for women the trimming of only a finger tip's worth of hair will suffice. Pilgrims then proceed to the Grand Mosque, also known as Masjid Al Haram in Mecca, to circle the Kaaba seven times, offer a prayer at the Station of Abraham within the mosque, and walk (sometimes jog) seven times between two small hills near the Kaaba. Both hills are within the Grand Mosque's grounds, so pilgrims don't have to leave the premises. Pilgrims then return to Mina to spend the night.

* Saeed Saeed

More pictures from Haj

• Dhu Al Hijja 12 – Final Day of Haj, 2012

• Dhu Al Hijja 11 – Fourth Day of Haj, 2012

• Dhu Al Hijja 9 – Second Day of Haj, 2012

• Dhu Al Hijja 8 – First Day of Haj, 2012