Writing By Usman Muhammed Zaria; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
Millions of pebbles used by pilgrims during the symbolic stoning of the Jamarat ritual have been collected and processed under a comprehensive waste management system as the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage concluded in Saudi Arabia.
The stoning of the Jamarat is one of the most significant and repeated rituals of Hajj.
Pilgrims first perform the rite at Jamarat Al-Aqaba on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, known as the Day of Sacrifice.
During the days of Tashreeq, pilgrims throw seven pebbles each at the three pillars: Jamarat Al-Sugra (the small pillar), Jamarat Al-Wusta (the middle pillar) and Jamarat Al-Aqaba (the largest pillar).
More than 1.7 million domestic and international pilgrims participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise, with each pilgrim using 49 pebbles during the stoning rites, while those who remained in Mina for an additional day used up to 70 pebbles.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria, the Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Ahmed Umar Labbo, commended Saudi authorities for providing well-coordinated routes and effective crowd management throughout the pilgrimage.
Labbo also praised pilgrims from Jigawa State for their discipline and orderly conduct during their stay in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.
Some Jigawa pilgrims, including Alhaji Isah Abubakar from Kazaure and Alhaji Abdullahi Ya’u, said they encountered no difficulties while performing the stoning ritual.
With millions of pebbles used during the exercise, many pilgrims often wonder what becomes of the stones after the Hajj season ends and the Jamarat area is vacated.
Saudi authorities have put in place a highly organised system to collect and process the pebbles.
The stones fall into collection points beneath the Jamarat structure, reaching depths of up to 15 metres before being transported by conveyor belts for cleaning and sorting.
The pebbles are then washed, screened to remove dust and debris, and transferred to designated storage locations for further handling after the Hajj season.
According to officials, more than 90,000 bags of pebbles were distributed to pilgrims through over 300 distribution points in Muzdalifah and around the Jamarat Bridge facility in Mina, ensuring smooth conduct of the ritual throughout the pilgrimage.
Usman Mohammed Zaria
