MINA, Saudi Arabia — For some, the stoning of the devil ritual at the Hajj in Saudi Arabia marks a solemn moment, a complete submission to God. For others, it represents a victory over evil.

Subardi Abdulaha, from Indonesia, was one of more than 1.6 million pilgrims in Mina on Friday throwing pebbles at pillars with gusto.

“I’m doing the jamarat,” said Abdulaha, referring to the three vast concrete structures. He smiled and his eyes lit up. “I throw the stone as a symbol against Satan!”

Pilgrims had collected their pebbles overnight Thursday from Muzdalifah, an area located a few kilometers (miles) away from Arafat, a hill outside the city of Mecca with great spiritual significance. They must throw seven pebbles at each of the three pillars.

Mina is where Muslims believe the Prophet Ib

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