MINA: Hajj pilgrims on Saturday began the ritual stoning of the devil, casting pebbles at the Jamarat, three stone pillars in Mina, on the first day of Tashreeq, which follows Eid Al-Adha.

The stoning ritual commenced with the smallest pillar, followed by the middle one, and concluded with Jamarat Al-Aqaba, the largest, in accordance with the practice of the Prophet Muhammad.

Pilgrims are carrying out their stoning rituals amid soaring temperatures reaching 46 C, according to the National Center for Meteorology. The center also forecast a further rise in temperatures by three degrees. However, the weather is expected to cool down with minimum temperatures reaching 31 C.

The Interior Ministry has reiterated its ongoing commitment to ensuring the protection and safety of pilgrims across Mina and within their camps. The ministry added that these efforts include managing pedestrian movement from the tents to the Jamarat area and during their journey to the Grand Mosque.

The ministry also urged pilgrims to continue adhering to the instructions that regulate their movement during the days of Tashreeq, emphasizing the importance of safety—particularly when circling the Kaaba, hastening between the hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwa, and performing the stoning ritual at the Jamarat in Mina.

For its part, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah called on pilgrims to adhere to the organizational guidelines and follow the designated Hajj schedules to ensure the smooth performance of rituals and to minimize the risk of heat exhaustion and sunstroke.

Speaking to Arab News, Mohammed Isaaq, a Pakistani pilgrim, said that his Hajj journey has been “exceptional” in every aspect.

“It is my first time performing Hajj, and everything around us is remarkably well-organized, allowing us to complete our rituals with ease and serenity. What an experience. I am deeply grateful to the Almighty for granting me the opportunity to be part of this Hajj season and to perform the rites in such a profoundly spiritual atmosphere,” he said.

On her way back from the stoning ritual, Naeema Yousuf, a Libyan pilgrim, said she cannot describe her feelings as she prepares to end her pilgrimage and return to her country “with no sins.”

She said: “Allah has promised us forgiveness, and we are hopeful he will accept our Hajj and forgive our sins. I am an elderly woman who only wishes to leave this world with no sins.”

She added: “I would like to thank all those here who have shown us kindness and care. May Allah reward you for the efforts and services you provide to your brothers and sisters who come from all over the world to perform Hajj.”

This year’s over 1.6 million pilgrims will continue their stay in Mina during the days of Tashreeq to complete the remaining rites of Hajj, with the option to depart after performing the stoning ritual on the second day for those who choose to do so.

MUNICH: Bayern Munich have reportedly agreed a deal with Bayer Leverkusen to take Germany defender Jonathan Tah to the Club World Cup.

Kicker magazine and other media outlets reported Saturday that Bayern, which had announced Tah’s signing “without a transfer fee” on May 29, have agreed to pay Leverkusen up to 4 million euros ($4.6 million) for the player to take a full part in the Club World Cup starting in the United States on June 14.

Tah’s contract with Leverkusen ran to the end of June, meaning he could only join Bayern on a free transfer from July 1 – unless the clubs came to an agreement beforehand.

There was little goodwill between the clubs after Bayern’s failed attempt to sign Tah – Leverkusen’s captain – last season, when Leverkusen chief executive Fernando Carro lashed out against Bayern’s Max Eberl. Bayern’s public pursuit of Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz this season further inflamed tensions between the rival clubs.

Any agreement to let Tah join Bayern before his Leverkusen contract ends would suggest pragmatism has won out at Leverkusen.

Real Madrid set the precedent by paying a reported fee of up to 10 million euros ($11.4 million) to get England right back Trent Alexander-Arnold out of his Liverpool contract one month before it was due to expire, so he could play at the Club World Cup, rather than waiting to sign him with a transfer fee.

Bayern will also need to reach agreement with Hoffenheim if they want to take Tom Bischof to the tournament.

Leverkusen face a summer of rebuilding following Xabi Alonso’s departure as coach, Tah and wing back Jeremie Frimpong ‘s departures for Bayern and Liverpool, respectively, and Wirtz’s expected transfer to Liverpool.

Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka suggested Friday he would be open to a switch amid reported interest from AC Milan, a change from his previous position.

Leverkusen hired former Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag to replace the Real Madrid-bound Alonso, while they have also signed highly rated teenager Ibrahim Maza from second-division club Hertha Berlin, and 21-year-old defender Tim Oermann from relegated Bochum before promptly loaning him to Austrian champion Sturm Graz.

They also loaned promising midfielder Francis Onyeka to Bochum for next season in the second division.