With the dawn of the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims began arriving in Mina to spend the Day of Tarwiyah, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This blessed step takes place amidst an atmosphere of faith and spirituality, filled with the Talbiyah, glorification, and magnification of God, as hearts and eyes are turned towards performing the fifth pillar of Islam.
What does the Day of Tarwiyah mean?
The eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah is known as the Day of Tarwiyah, so named because pilgrims used to draw water on this day and carry it with them from Mecca to Mina and Arafat in preparation for the long days of standing in prayer, as those holy sites did not have sufficient water sources. On this day, Islamic law emphasizes that for pilgrims to go to Mina and spend the night there before proceeding to the plains of Arafat, it is a confirmed Sunnah (recommended practice) for those who are able to do so.
For those performing Hajj al-Tamattu', they enter into the state of Ihram for Hajj from their place of residence, whether inside or outside Mecca. Then they proceed with the other pilgrims performing Hajj al-Qiran and Hajj al-Ifrad to spend the night in Mina until sunrise on the ninth day. After that, they depart to Arafat to perform the greatest pillar (the Great Standing), then they return to Mina again after leaving Muzdalifah to spend the days of Tashreeq (the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th) and perform the stoning of the three Jamarat, unless they hasten their departure, in compliance with the words of God Almighty: “And remember God during [specific] numbered days. Then whoever hastens [his departure] in two days - there is no sin upon him; and whoever delays [his departure] - there is no sin upon him - for him who fears God.”.
The geographical and historical importance of Mina
The geographical area of Mina lies between Mecca and Muzdalifah, approximately seven kilometers northeast of the Grand Mosque. This area is an integral part of the sacred precincts of Mecca and is surrounded by mountains to the north and south. Notably, this valley is only inhabited during the Hajj season. It is bordered by Jamarat al-Aqaba on the Mecca side and Wadi Muhassar on the Muzdalifah side.
Historically and religiously, Mina holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims. It is where the Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) stoned the pillars, and where the story of the redemption of Ishmael (peace be upon him) with the great ram took place. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) confirmed these traditions during the Farewell Pilgrimage, so that Muslims in every time and place would follow them in the stoning of the pillars, the sacrifice of the sacrificial animal, and the shaving of their heads.
Mina's landmarks and timeless events
Mina contains several prominent landmarks, most notably the three pillars used in the stoning ritual, as well as the historic Al-Khaif Mosque. This mosque derives its name from its location on the southern slope of Mount Mina, near the smallest of the three pillars (Jamarat al-Sughra). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and many prophets before him prayed in this mosque, which still stands today, having undergone extensive expansion and renovation in 1407 AH (1987 CE).
Mina also witnessed events that changed the course of Islamic history, most notably the First and Second Pledges of Aqaba. In the twelfth year of his mission, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the pledge of allegiance from twelve men from the Aws and Khazraj tribes. This was followed the next year by the second pledge, in which 73 men and two women from Medina pledged their allegiance at the same location, northeast of the Jamarat al-Aqaba. To commemorate this event, in which the Ansar (Helpers) pledged their support and protection to the Prophet, the Abbasid Caliph Abu Ja'far al-Mansur built the Mosque of the Pledge in 144 AH at the foot of Mount Thubayr. Mina also witnessed the revelation of Surah Al-Mursalat to the Prophet while he was in a cave there.
Regional and international influence and the Kingdom's efforts
On both regional and international levels, the gathering of millions of pilgrims in Mina represents a universal message of peace, unity, and equality among Muslims from all corners of the earth, where differences dissolve and hearts unite. To ensure the success of this massive human gathering, the largest of its kind in the world, the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia devotes exceptional and meticulous attention to Mina.
The wise leadership – may God support them – has dedicated all available human and material resources, providing a comprehensive system of security, medical, and logistical services. State-of-the-art transportation has been provided, along with advanced, air-conditioned, and fire-resistant camps to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims and facilitate the performance of their rituals in an atmosphere of tranquility and spirituality. All government and service agencies have been directed to work diligently and sincerely to ensure the success of the Hajj season.
