Each year, as millions of pilgrims gather in Mina for the sacred ritual of stoning the Jamarat, few ponder the fate of the countless pebbles cast at the towering pillars.
Yet, the journey of these small stones is a meticulously orchestrated operation, embodying a blend of tradition and modern logistics.
At the heart of the Jamarat area, a sophisticated system is in place, designed to handle the stones used in one of Hajj’s pivotal rituals. According to an employee of the Kedana Company responsible for maintaining the Holy Sites, the process begins almost immediately after the pilgrims complete their stoning on the first, second, and third days of Hajj.
Within the architectural marvel of the Jamarat facility, which boasts three pillars and extends over four floors with a depth reaching 15 meters, the pebbles make their descent. They fall into the basement, collecting in a designated area where their next phase of life begins. Here, conveyor belts scoop up the stones, initiating a cleaning process that involves sifting and washing to remove dust and impurities accumulated during their sacred use.
Once purified, these pebbles are transported to storage facilities, waiting to be reused or handled appropriately once the Hajj season concludes. The volume of stones managed each season is vast, directly correlating with the number of pilgrims attending Hajj, signifying a massive logistical undertaking.
In a parallel initiative aimed at enhancing the pilgrims’ experience, the Hadiyah-Haji and Mu’tamer’s Gift, in collaboration with the Kedana Company, have provided a significant service.
Recognizing the physical and logistical challenges faced by pilgrims, they distributed over 83,411 bags of pebbles across 300 points on the walking routes in Muzdalifah and the Jamarat Bridge. This strategic distribution ensures that every pilgrim has easy access to the pebbles needed for the ritual, thereby lightening their load and allowing them to focus more on the spiritual aspect of their journey.
The careful management and recycling of Jamarat pebbles are a testament to the seamless integration of tradition and modernity, ensuring that the spiritual purity of the Hajj is maintained while addressing environmental and logistical challenges. This behind-the-scenes effort not only preserves the sanctity of the ritual but also reflects the profound respect and care that the custodians of the Holy Sites hold for every aspect of this holy pilgrimage.
Saudi Gazette