Muslims Pray at Mt. Arafat Despite Security Concerns.

“Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance,” said Information and Culture Minister Fouad bin Abdul-Salam bin Mohammad Farisi, adding that the Muslim faith had been portrayed negatively since the September 11 attacks.

“…and of course, deadly stampedes and animal sacrifice,” Farisi continued. “Don’t tell PETA!”

Pilgrims on Sunday will throw stones at pillars on the spot where the devil is said to have appeared to biblical patriarch Abraham - the scene of deadly stampedes in past years.

The Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha begins the same day, with the sacrificial killing of sheep, goats and cows in commemoration of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail at God’s command.