Hajj pilgrims symbolically stone the devil in Mina

Muslim pilgrims performed symbolic stoning of devil on Friday, one of final rites of Islamic hajj pilgrim in Saudi Arabia.

This comes as Muslims worldwide marked start of Eid al-ha holiday.

Only a very limited number of pilgrims were allowed to take part in hajj this year amid numerous restrictions to limit potential spre of coronavirus.

sliver of pilgrims performing hajj this year arrived at massive multi-story Jamarat Complex in Mina just after dawn on Friday, where y cast pebbles at three large columns.

y are travelling in small groups of 20, following strict guidelines around social distancing.

stoning rite takes place in Saudi valley area of Mina, where a crush of crowds and stampede in 2015 killed more than 2,400 people, according to an Associated Press count.

global coronavirus pandemic has cast a show over every aspect of this year's pilgrim, which last year drew 2.5 million Muslims from across world.

Saudi government has t released a final figure on number of hajj pilgrims this year, but has said anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 would be taking part.

All of this year's pilgrims are eir residents or citizens of Saudi Arabia.

All able-bodied Muslims are required to perform hajj once in ir lives.

(Representative Im)