Pilgrims flocked to Mina
In a profound display of faith, pilgrims began arriving in Mina at dawn on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah to spend the Day of Tarwiyah, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This is the first practical step in performing the Hajj rituals, as the pilgrims spend the night in Mina in preparation for standing on the sacred plain of Arafat the following day, which represents the most important pillar of Hajj.
What is the Day of Tarwiyah and what is the reason for the name?
The eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah is known as the Day of Tarwiyah. Historically, this name stems from the fact that pilgrims in the past would quench their thirst with water on this day, carrying enough for their journey to Arafat, as water was scarce there at that time. On this day, it is recommended for pilgrims to proceed to Mina before noon and pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha there, in addition to Fajr prayer on the Day of Arafat (the ninth day). The four-rak'ah prayers are shortened to two rak'ahs without combining them, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Mina: The world's largest tent city
Mina holds a prominent religious, historical, and geographical significance. This sacred valley lies between Mecca and Muzdalifah, approximately seven kilometers northeast of the Grand Mosque. Mina is home to the world's largest tent city, a vast expanse equipped with state-of-the-art, fire-resistant tents designed to provide maximum comfort and safety for millions of pilgrims. It also houses the massive Jamarat facility, a major engineering project facilitating the stoning ritual during the days of Tashreeq.
Local and international efforts and impacts
Domestically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia mobilizes all its human, material, and technological resources to serve the pilgrims. These preparations include deploying medical teams, securing shuttle bus networks, and the Holy Sites Metro, which connects Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat, ensuring the smooth flow of millions of pilgrims. Regionally and internationally, the gathering of millions of Muslims from all corners of the earth in one place at one time reflects the highest ideals of unity, solidarity, and peace. The successful organization of this massive annual event enhances the Kingdom's global standing in crowd management and leaves a profound spiritual, economic, and social impact that extends to all Muslim countries.
Preparing for the greatest pillar: Standing at Arafat
After spending the Day of Tarwiyah and the night in Mina, the hearts and eyes of the pilgrims turn towards the sacred plains of Arafat at dawn on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah. There, the guests of God stand in awe, their tongues raised in supplication and prayer to God Almighty, hoping for forgiveness and mercy. Standing at Arafat is considered the pinnacle of Hajj, in accordance with the Prophet's saying, peace and blessings be upon him, "Hajj is Arafat." After sunset, they return to Muzdalifah, then back to Mina to complete the remaining rituals, including the stoning of the Jamarat, the sacrifice of the sacrificial animal, and the Tawaf al-Ifadah.
