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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 hacilar' wishes (namazs) 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 Mekke that transforms into the world's largest tent city during Hac. It is the primary base for hacilar during the days of Hac, housing the Cemerat pillars and serving as the site for stoning, sacrifice, and overnight stays.
مِنَى
Mina is a sprawling valley approximately 5 kilometers east of Mescid-i Haram, between Mekke and Muzdelife. During Hac, it becomes the world's largest temporary city, with over 100,000 air-conditioned fire-resistant tents organized by nationality and Hac group, accommodating over 2 million hacilar. 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 Muzdelife, 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 Cemerat pillars. The three Cemerat — al-Sughra (small), al-Wusta (middle), and al-Aqabah (large) — are located in Mina, now housed within the massive multi-level Cemerat 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 Hac sacrifices are located in Mina's outskirts. Despite its seasonal nature, Mina has permanent infrastructure including roads, tunnels, acil durum 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 hacilar' wishes (namazs) 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.