Muscat: On the morning of the eighth day of DhulHijjah 1446 AH, devotees rushed to Mina to conduct the Day of Tarwiyah, the first step of the Hajj rituals, in an environment full of faith and humility.
Mina, located in the center of Makkah, is a major Hajj ritual center where pilgrims gather to conduct Hajj rites of remembrance and supplication, repeating the Talbiyah often.
On the Day of Tarwiyah, pilgrims spend their time in Mina, performing remembrance, glorification, and declaring Allahu Akbar (God is Greatest), as well as praying the five daily prayers in shorter versions without merging them, in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of God be upon him).
Pilgrims spend the night in Mina on the night of Tarwiyah, spiritually and psychologically preparing for their journey to Arafat on the ninth day of DhulHijjah, where the Great Stand (Waqfa alKubra), the most important element of Hajj, will take place. The term Tarwiyah is linked to the Prophet Mohammad's replenishing of water prior to carrying out ceremonies.
Pilgrims return to Mina on the day of Eid to throw stones at Jamarat alAqaba after the Day of Tarwiyah, standing in Arafat, and spending the night in Muzdalifah. They spend the days of Tashreeq performing rituals, such as stoning the three Jamarat (stones) every day from midday until sunset. Staying the nights of Tashreeq in Mina is compulsory, with the exception of individuals who have a real need to leave. These days provide visitors with the opportunity to conduct the Hajj rites in a peaceful and contemplative environment.
Mina is located 7 kilometers northeast of the Grand Mosque, inside the boundaries of Mecca's Sacred Mosque. It stretches across a valley bordered by mountains to the north and south, giving it a distinct geographical identity. It is bordered on the Makkah side by Jamarat al-Aqaba and on the Muzdalifah side by Wadi Muhsir. Mina is a special location for executing Hajj ceremonies, since it is only populated during the Hajj season, making it a symbol that unites Muslims from all around the world.
Mina is also a temporary city outfitted with modern amenities to house millions of visitors. It provides airconditioned tents, hygiene facilities, medical treatment, and security to assure the comfort and safety of God's visitors.
