All over the valley, people are collecting tiny stones. This strange, quite scene is in preparation for the last Hajj rite. Tonight each pilgrim gathers 49 stones. In the morning we will carry them to Mina. There, in the next few days, at allotted times, we will throw them at a trio of pillars symbolizing Satan.
Scholars call it lapidation.
In a symbolic act with a double thrust, the thrower of the stone both repulses temptation and casts it out. I wash my stones at a tap and, having no pockets, tie them into a corner of my towels. The road has reopened. The camps are stirring. The Hajj is moving on.