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| Arabic | مِنَى |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | MI-naa |
| Etymology | The name Mina (منى) has several proposed origins. Some scholars derive it from the Arabic root م-ن-ي (m-n-y), meaning 'to desire' or 'to wish,' as pilgrims' wishes (prayers) are fulfilled there. Others connect it to the flowing of blood (from the same root meaning 'to flow'), referring to the animal sacrifices performed at the site. |
Mina(مِنَى) Mina is a valley near Makkah that transforms into the world's largest tent city during Hajj. It is the primary base for pilgrims during the days of Hajj, housing the Jamarat pillars and serving as the site for stoning, sacrifice, and overnight stays.
مِنَى
Mina is a sprawling valley approximately 5 kilometers east of Masjid al-Haram, between Makkah and Muzdalifah. During Hajj, it becomes the world's largest temporary city, with over 100,000 air-conditioned fire-resistant tents organized by nationality and Hajj group, accommodating over 2 million pilgrims. Pilgrims first arrive in Mina on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah (Yawm al-Tarwiyah), spending the night before proceeding to Arafat. After the Day of Arafat and the night at Muzdalifah, they return to Mina on the 10th for the stoning of Jamrat al-Aqabah, sacrifice, and shaving. They remain in Mina for the Days of Tashreeq (11th-13th), performing the daily stoning of all three Jamarat pillars. The three Jamarat — al-Sughra (small), al-Wusta (middle), and al-Aqabah (large) — are located in Mina, now housed within the massive multi-level Jamarat Bridge structure. Mina is also the site where Prophet Ibrahim was tested with the command to sacrifice his son Ismail, making it hallowed ground. The slaughterhouses for Hajj sacrifices are located in Mina's outskirts. Despite its seasonal nature, Mina has permanent infrastructure including roads, tunnels, emergency facilities, and the tent structures that are erected and maintained annually.
The name Mina (منى) has several proposed origins. Some scholars derive it from the Arabic root م-ن-ي (m-n-y), meaning 'to desire' or 'to wish,' as pilgrims' wishes (prayers) are fulfilled there. Others connect it to the flowing of blood (from the same root meaning 'to flow'), referring to the animal sacrifices performed at the site.
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