They’re going to be doing this until Tuesday, in the world’s center of Islam; the violent ritual that often results in stampedes killing thousands: Muslim haj pilgrims perform devil-stoning ritual.

MENA, Saudi Arabia, Dec 31 (Reuters) - More than 2.5 million Muslim haj pilgrims performed devil-stoning rites on Sunday, amid tight security to prevent overcrowding and protests following the execution of Saddam Hussein.

The 5-day haj, marred by deadly stampedes in recent years, was overshadowed by the hanging on Saturday of the former Iraqi leader, a hero to some Sunni Arabs because of his anti-U.S. stance, but hated by many Shi’ites.

“The number one Satan is America,” said Iraqi pilgrim Suleiman Awadallah, who described himself as “a resistance fighter”, after performing the stoning ritual.

“The prayers of all Muslims when they cast their stones at the devil must be directed at (U.S. President George) Bush and his devilish allies in America and the Arab world.”

Ahmed al-Dosary from Kuwait agreed. “I prayed for myself, my family and for the end of the main evil, the United States.”