মিনা

What Does মিনা Mean in Detail?

মিনা is a sprawling valley approximately 5 kilometers east of মসজিদুল হারাম, between মক্কা মুকাররমা and মুযদালিফা. During হজ্জ, it becomes the world's largest temporary city, with over 100,000 air-conditioned fire-resistant tents organized by nationality and হজ্জ group, accommodating over 2 million হাজীগণ. Pilgrims first arrive in মিনা on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah (Yawm al-Tarwiyah), spending the night before proceeding to আরাফাত. After the Day of আরাফাত and the night at মুযদালিফা, they return to মিনা on the 10th for the stoning of Jamrat al-Aqabah, sacrifice, and shaving. They remain in মিনা for the Days of Tashreeq (11th-13th), performing the daily stoning of all three জামারাত pillars. The three জামারাত — al-Sughra (small), al-Wusta (middle), and al-Aqabah (large) — are located in মিনা, now housed within the massive multi-level জামারাত Bridge structure. মিনা is also the site where Prophet Ibrahim was tested with the command to sacrifice his son Ismail, making it hallowed ground. The slaughterhouses for হজ্জ sacrifices are located in মিনা's outskirts. Despite its seasonal nature, মিনা has permanent infrastructure including roads, tunnels, জরুরি facilities, and the tent structures that are erected and maintained annually.