Mina, a valley situated between Makkah and Muzdalifah in Saudi Arabia, is an important site within the Hajj pilgrimage and holds profound religious and historical significance in Islam. Known as “The City of Tents” due to the large, white tents that cover the valley during Hajj, Mina is where millions of Muslims gather each year to perform specific rites that commemorate the trials and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family.
The valley of Mina has historical ties to Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hajar, and their son Ismail (Ishmael). According to Islamic tradition, Mina is where Allah tested Prophet Ibrahim by commanding him to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as an act of obedience. However, before the sacrifice could occur, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, sparing him as a reward for Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and submission. This event is commemorated in Mina during Hajj, particularly in the ritual of animal sacrifice.
One of the most symbolic rituals of Hajj takes place in Mina, known as “Ramy al-Jamarat,” or the stoning of the devil. This ritual symbolizes the rejection of evil and the believer’s commitment to righteousness. Pilgrims throw pebbles at three pillars (known as the Jamarat) that represent Satan. This act symbolizes Prophet Ibrahim’s rejection of Satan’s temptations, as Satan tried to dissuade him from following Allah’s command to sacrifice his son.
During the three days following the Day of Arafah, known as the Days of Tashreeq, pilgrims remain in Mina to continue their acts of worship. Animal sacrifice is performed as part of the Eid al-Adha festivities, commemorating the moment Allah provided a ram for Ibrahim to sacrifice instead of his son. This act of sacrifice is not only a reflection of obedience and devotion but also serves as a means of providing for those in need, as the meat from sacrificed animals is distributed among the poor.
Today, Mina hosts one of the largest temporary tent cities in the world, accommodating millions of pilgrims each year. The tents are air-conditioned and designed to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims during the often hot weather. Modern infrastructure, including roads, walkways, sanitation, and safety measures, has been developed to support the growing number of Hajj participants.
The Jamarat Bridge, a multi-level structure built over the Jamarat pillars, has also been constructed to ease the flow of pilgrims and prevent overcrowding during the stoning ritual. Despite these modern enhancements, the rituals performed in Mina remain rooted in the timeless acts of worship, sacrifice, and devotion that have been observed since the time of Prophet Ibrahim.
During the Hajj, Mina becomes a place of prayer, reflection, and devotion. Pilgrims are reminded of the values of humility, sacrifice, and obedience to Allah, as they live simply in tents and perform the ancient rituals that trace back to the foundations of Islamic faith. The experience in Mina reinforces the unity of the Muslim community, as believers from all over the world come together in worship and remembrance of Allah.