Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah welcomes a guest at a reception he hosted in Mina Palace on Saturday for dignitaries participating in this year's Haj. (SPA)

MINA: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah emphasized the strength of Saudi Arabia to defend and protect the millions of pilgrims who come for Haj.

As the king addressed dignitaries — who are here to perform Haj — at a reception at the Mina Palace on Saturday, millions of pilgrims stoned the Jamrat on the second day.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the capability Almighty Allah has bestowed on it, can ensure the safety of pilgrims by foiling plans to disrupt the Haj.

“The Kingdom has made full arrangements to serve the guests of Allah with His blessings,” the king told the guests who included Vice President of Sudan Ali Usman Muhammad Taha and First Minister of the Republic of Mali Modibu Sidaybi. Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif, Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal and Prince Miteb attended the reception.

Congratulating the pilgrims on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha and wishing them a successful Haj, King Abdullah said: “The glorious rites of Haj highlight the Islamic principle of brotherhood and remove all distinctions among the Muslims as the Almighty Allah has said in the Holy Qur’an, ‘O mankind! We have indeed created you from one man and one woman, and have made you into various nations and tribes so that you may know one another; indeed the more honorable among you, in the sight of Allah, is the one who is more pious among you; indeed Allah is All Knowing, All Aware.’” (Al-Hujurat, Verse:13.)

“Multitudes of God’s guests moving from one holy site to another is indeed a pleasing sight. This picture of the faithful raises the hope that the Ummah is in good shape and is proceeding on the path of moderation and self-restraint manifesting the words of Allah: ‘Thus we have made you a justly balanced Ummah.’” (Al-Baqarah, Verse 143.)

The king concluded his speech with an advice to the pilgrims to make the most of the blessed days of Haj and Eid. The king arrived in Jeddah in the evening.

Pilgrims stoned the Satan at the Jamrat Bridge on Saturday watched by public safety officials working to ensure a smooth Haj.

They began moving toward the Jamrat Bridge soon after Dhuhr prayer. Security personnel kept a strict vigil on their movement, confiscating bags in an effort to ensure they do not block foot traffic.

“We are firm not to allow anybody with baggage in the Jamrat area. The muallims were clearly told to ensure that pilgrims do not carry baggage when leaving their camps,” said Musab Al-Qahtani, a National Guard official.

The Haj Ministry had issued guidelines for pilgrims concerning movement on Jamrat and had asked foreign missions to follow the time allotted to them for stoning.

“We followed the time slot to send our pilgrims to Jamrat and the movement was smooth and hassle-free,” said Indian Consul General Sayeed Ahmad Baba.

In the morning, pilgrims started their trek to Makkah to perform another important ritual, the Tawaf-e-Ifadah. The Grand Mosque was bustling with pilgrims.

Hundreds of young Saudis were offering their services, though for a price, to assist old and infirm pilgrims in performing tawaf at Safah and Marwah on wheelchairs. They were doing brisk business.

“We wait for this day throughout the year not only for monetary gain but also to earn divine reward by serving the guests of Allah,” said Abdul Matab Al-Shuhairi.

— With input from Syed Faisal Ali