1. Geographical Location of Mina :
Mina is situated in a valley, about 7 kilometers from the Holy Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca and 5
kilometers from Muzdalifah.
It covers an area of about 20 square kilometers, making it spacious enough to accommodate the millions
of pilgrims who gather there during the days of Hajj.
The entire area of Mina is within the Haram (sacred boundary) of Mecca, and its surroundings include
notable sites like the Jamarat Bridge, where the stoning ritual takes place.
2. Historical and Religious Significance of Mina :
Connection to Prophet Ibrahim :
Mina is closely associated with the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham),
Prophet Ismail (Ishmael), and Hajar (Hagar). It is the place where Prophet Ibrahim was commanded by
Allah to sacrifice his son Ismail, as a test of his faith. When he was about to carry out the sacrifice,
Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, which is commemorated by the ritual of Qurbani (sacrifice) during Eid
al-Adha.
Prophet Muhammad’s Example :
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) performed many of the Hajj rituals
in Mina during his Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajj al-Wida) and emphasized the importance of following these
rituals in the prescribed manner.
Symbolic Rejection of Evil :
The stoning of the Jamarat in Mina is a physical act that symbolizes the
rejection of Satan’s temptations, following the actions of Prophet Ibrahim when he was confronted by the
devil during his journey to sacrifice Ismail.
3. Key Rituals at Mina During Hajj :
After leaving Muzdalifah on the morning of the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims proceed to Mina to
perform the following rituals-
1. Stoning of the Jamarat (Rami al-Jamarat) :
Rami al-Jamarat is the ritual of throwing pebbles at three stone pillars known as Jamarat: Jamarat
al-Sughra (small), Jamarat al-Wusta (medium), and Jamarat al-Aqaba (large).
On the first day, known as Yawm al-Nahr (Day of Sacrifice), pilgrims throw seven pebbles at Jamarat
al-Aqaba.
The stoning ritual continues on the following days of Tashreeq (the 11th, 12th, and optionally the 13th
of Dhu al-Hijjah), during which pilgrims throw seven pebbles at each of the three Jamarat.
The stoning symbolizes the rejection of evil, recalling when Prophet Ibrahim resisted the devil’s
attempts to dissuade him from obeying Allah’s command.
2. Sacrifice of an Animal (Qurbani) :
After the first stoning of Jamarat al-Aqaba on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims perform the Qurbani
or sacrifice of an animal, typically a sheep, goat, cow, or camel.
This act commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, and
the divine provision of a ram as a substitute.
The meat from the sacrifice is usually distributed to the poor and needy, ensuring that everyone,
especially the less fortunate, can partake in the blessings of Eid al-Adha.
For pilgrims, the sacrifice is also part of the Hajj al-Tamattu’ and Hajj al-Qiran (types of Hajj) but
is optional for Hajj al-Ifrad.
3. Shaving or Trimming the Hair (Halq/Taqsir) :
After the sacrifice, male pilgrims shave their heads (Halq) or trim their hair (Taqsir), while female
pilgrims cut a small portion of their hair.
Shaving or trimming signifies a state of purity and renewal as the pilgrim completes the major rites of
Hajj.
Once this is done, pilgrims can partially exit the state of Ihram (the special state of spiritual purity
and dress required during Hajj).
4. Staying in Mina During the Days of Tashreeq :
Pilgrims stay in Mina for the Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and optionally the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah),
which are days of worship, supplication, and reciting Takbir (saying “Allahu Akbar”).
During this time, they continue with the stoning of the Jamarat each day after Dhuhr (midday prayer).
It is recommended for pilgrims to spend the nights in Mina, reflecting on their pilgrimage, seeking
Allah’s forgiveness, and enjoying the collective experience of worship with millions of other Muslims.
4. Mina: The City of Tents :
Accommodation in Tents :
Mina is often referred to as the City of Tents because of the thousands of
air-conditioned tents that provide temporary housing for pilgrims during their stay.
Each tent is equipped with basic amenities like bedding, water, and lighting, designed to ensure the
safety and comfort of the pilgrims during the hot desert conditions.
The tents are organized into various sectors, and pilgrims are assigned specific areas based on their
Hajj groups. The organization helps manage the vast number of pilgrims and ensures orderly movement
during the rituals.
5. The Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons of Mina :
Submission to Allah’s Will :
The stoning of the Jamarat and the act of sacrifice in Mina symbolize the
believer’s readiness to submit to Allah’s commands, even in the face of difficult trials, as exemplified
by Prophet Ibrahim.
Gratitude and Generosity :
The distribution of the sacrificial meat reflects the spirit of generosity and
care for the poor, emphasizing the importance of charity and brotherhood in Islam.
Unity and Brotherhood :
Mina, like other Hajj locations, serves as a gathering place for Muslims from all
over the world, reminding pilgrims of the unity of the Ummah (global Muslim community) as they worship
together, irrespective of nationality, language, or background.
6. Practical Considerations for Pilgrims in Mina :
Movement Between Sites :
Mina is centrally located between Muzdalifah and the Jamarat Bridge, making it
easier for pilgrims to perform the rituals and return to their accommodations. Pilgrims often walk
between these sites, especially on crowded days.
Safety and Crowd Management :
Due to the large number of pilgrims, Mina is equipped with safety measures
like fireproof tents, emergency medical services, and crowd management systems, especially around the
Jamarat Bridge, which has been expanded to prevent stampedes.
Time Management :
Pilgrims must manage their time well, especially during the days of Tashreeq, to ensure
that they complete the stoning rituals and other obligations properly while allowing time for rest and
worship.
7. Mina and the Completion of Hajj :
After completing the stoning at Mina, performing the sacrifice, and the acts of shaving or trimming the
hair, pilgrims proceed to Mecca to perform the Tawaf al-Ifadah (circumambulation of the Kaaba) and the
Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah).
The time spent in Mina and the completion of its rituals mark the near completion of the Hajj journey,
with only a few remaining acts to finalize the pilgrimage.
The experience of Mina is often one of the most memorable parts of the Hajj for many pilgrims, as it
encapsulates the spiritual trials, unity, and sacrifices that define the pilgrimage.
Mina represents a place where pilgrims face both physical and spiritual tests. It serves as a reminder
of the trials faced by Prophet Ibrahim and his family, while also embodying the principles of unity,
sacrifice, and obedience to Allah. For pilgrims, the days spent in Mina are an integral part of the
transformative experience that is Hajj, allowing them to reconnect with the deep spiritual roots of
their faith.
