Mina is a key site during the Hajj pilgrimage in Islam. It’s often called “The Tent City” because it contains thousands of air-conditioned tents that house pilgrims during part of the Hajj. Mina holds deep religious and symbolic significance, and two of the main rituals that happen there are:
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Stoning of the Devil (Ramy al-Jamarat) – Pilgrims throw pebbles at three stone pillars (Jamarat), which represent the devil. It reenacts Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) rejection of Satan’s temptations.
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Qurbani (Sacrifice) – Pilgrims perform or arrange for the sacrifice of an animal (usually a sheep, goat, or cow) to commemorate Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for God.
Understanding Mina: The Tent City of Hajj
Mina, often referred to as “The Tent City,” is a vast valley nestled between Mecca and Muzdalifah, located about 5 kilometers east of Mecca. Every year, this otherwise quiet valley transforms into a bustling temporary city, accommodating millions of pilgrims who come to fulfill some of the most significant rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage.
As one of the five pillars of Islam, Hajj is a mandatory spiritual journey for every able-bodied and financially capableMuslim. It is a deeply transformative experience, and Mina plays a central role in this sacred journey.
Mina holds profound religious and historical importance. It is the site where pilgrims perform the Stoning of the Devil (Ramy al-Jamarat) and offer Qurbani (sacrifice) in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith. With its thousands of white, air-conditioned tents, Mina symbolizes unity, devotion, and the collective spirit of Muslims from around the world.
What is Mina?
The “Tent City” of Mina is located in a vast valley between Mecca and Muzdalifah. Mina in Islam holds immense significance as it is the location where several key rituals are performed during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Mina derives its name from the three-letter combination ma-na-ya which means “to find”, “to undergo test” or “to be put to the test”. The name Mina also contains associations with Tamanna and Manna’s meaning “hope” or “wish,” symbolising the pilgrims’ hope for forgiveness and divine mercy.
As the time of Hajj comes closer, Mina transforms into a bustling and densely populated tent settlement welcoming millions of pilgrims from all over the world. The temporary nature of the tent city is a unique feature of Mina making it a symbol of unity and equality amongst all pilgrims present.
History of Mina
The city of Mina exists as a sacred place which connects to Islamic history and the story of prophet ibrahim (Abraham). Muslim teachings state that Mina exists as the site where the almighty tested Prophet Ibrahim by asking him to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ismael). The sacred act of complete devotion and obedience that Prophet Ibrahim demonstrated is honoured during Hajj through the religious practice of “Qurbani” or animal sacrifice.
The Islamic teachings mandate specific religious practices and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that must be followed throughout Hajj, including when in Mina.
Through the years, during the period of Hajj, Mina transforms from an ordinary valley into a well-structured tent city. The tent city is equipped with contemporary facilities for an ever-increasing number of pilgrims.
While Mina has experienced many physical transformations, at its core, the spirituality stays unaltered because it continues to shape the faith of millions of Muslims across the globe.
What Happens in Mina?
Mina has stood as a witness to many important events that occurred in Islamic history.
The rituals performed in Mina, known as “Ibadat,” are integral to the Hajj pilgrimage. The acts of Ibadat at Mina include:
- During Hajj the main religious event occurs when people participate in the stoning of the devil ritual known as “Ramy al-Jamarat.” During this ritual, people commemorate how Prophet Ibrahim refused Satan’s temptations when he was commanded by the almighty to sacrifice his son. During the stoning ritual pilgrims aim stones at three pillars as a way to show they oppose evil while dedicating themselves to Allah’s divine commandments.
- During the Day of Sacrifice known as “Yawm al-Nahr” pilgrims in Mina conduct the Qurbani by making animal sacrifices to remember Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion. The religious ceremonies in Mina serve to represent fundamental Islamic values which include faith, obedience and sacrifice.
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- When in Mina pilgrims dedicate their time to prayer as well as supplication while reciting the Quran to seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
- Pilgrims return to Makkah after finishing Mina’s rituals to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah which constitutes an essential part of Hajj.
Why is Mina Important During Hajj?
During Hajj pilgrimage Mina serves as the location for multiple religious rituals which are essential for pilgrims. During Hajj people understand Mina’s significance through these key points.
- Pilgrims participate in the Stoning of the Devil (Ramy al-Jamarat) for three days which represents their rejection of evil and their commitment to Allah’s faith.
- During the Day of Sacrifice (Yawm al-Nahr) Muslim pilgrims make animal sacrifices in Mina to honour Prophet Ibrahim’s act of obeying Allah by sacrificing his son.
- Pilgrims who spend time in Mina find this space dedicated to spiritual reflection which enables them to seek forgiveness as they strengthen their dedication to living a righteous life.
- The Mina tent city stands as a remarkable unity symbol because believers from all walks of life unite to share a spiritual bond.
These acts of worship are deeply meaningful, reinforcing the spiritual objectives of Hajj and fostering a sense of closeness to Allah.
Mina Timing at Hajj – 3 days
The Hajj pilgrims stay in Mina for 3 nights between the 8th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. The schedule for those days is as follows:
- The first day of the pilgrimage starts on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah as pilgrims travel to Mina after completing Tawaf al-Qudum in Makkah. Pilgrims dedicate their day to prayer while getting ready for the forthcoming religious ceremonies.
- On Day 2 (9th Dhul-Hijjah – Yaum al-Arafah) people move from Mina to Arafat for a day focused on supplication and reflection. Pilgrims head to Muzdalifah after sunset and then proceed to Mina the next morning.
- The ritual of stoning the biggest pillar (Jamarat al-Aqabah) along with the Qurbani sacrifice takes place on Day 3 (10th Dhul-Hijjah). The completion of these major Hajj rituals is marked by hair shaving for men and trimming of the hair for women.
- During day 4 (11th Dhul-Hijjah) pilgrims maintain the ritual of stoning the pillar at all three sites before devoting their time in Mina to prayer and contemplation. Pilgrims can depart from Mina at sunset on the 11th of Dhul-Hijjah.
However, if pilgrims want to stay in Mina for the 5th day of hajj festivities (12th Dhul Hijjah), then they can. It is Sunnah to stay in Mina for the 12th Dhul Hijjah.
This five-day period of Hajj rituals is a time of intense spiritual activity, marking the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage.
