Many pilgrims stone 'devil' Bush in haj ritual

Haj pilgrims pelted stones at symbols of the devil yesterday, with many saying they were targeting US President George W. Bush and other world leaders seen as oppressing Muslims.

Last year, 250 people were crushed to death at Mena's Jamarat Bridge, but so far new measures by the Saudi authorities have averted any stampedes. This year, more than 2.5 million Muslims streamed into the area for the stoning, meant as an act of purification and rejection of temptation.

Saudi Arabia's King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah, in a joint speech, urged Muslims to shun terrorism which they said meant "warring against God and his Prophet", to follow Islam's teachings of moderation and forgiveness and to unite.

Many pilgrims said they were thinking of Mr Bush and his allies while they were hurling pebbles at the site where the devil is said to have appeared to the biblical patriarch Abraham.

"Yes, the devil is Bush and that other one from Israel - (Prime Minister Ariel) Sharon. And there's (British Prime Minister) Blair too," said Egyptian Tia'amah Mohammed.

"We throw the stones so we can vent our anger at them."

Many Muslims revile Mr Bush for his perceived bias towards Israel and the US occupation of Iraq. Anger at Mr Sharon also runs deep over Israel's occupation of Palestinian land and Jerusalem, the site of one of Islam's holiest shrines.